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Mars’ ‘Dragon Scales’

The ‘dragon scale’ pattern, seen here from the MRO, results from water interacting with rock.
The ‘dragon scale’ pattern, seen here from the MRO, results from water interacting with rock. Image: NASA

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter snapped this picture of a distinctive ‘dragon scale’ pattern from Mars orbit. This arises from clay-bearing rock interacting with water, meaning the pattern likely formed billions of years ago.