Slashdot Mirror
Martian Racetracks
An anonymous reader writes "The European Mars Express spacecraft has released stunning images of 'yardangs': racetrack-like grooves eroded from an otherwise flat plain without obstacles. The terrain in high resolution is shown near the largest volcano in our solar system, Olympus Mons. Notable in the image is an abrupt left turn like the beginnings of a curved terrace."
I too would attribute the 'swirlies' to either a compression or moire pattern.
Although if you look at the bottom flat spot, you will notice that the lines make a nice tight circle with other lines flowing around it. Looks partialy like scrapping of Dust Devils to me. The irragular flow of air and heat over the flat parts might lend to their formation...