ESA's Mars Express Reveals 'Spider' Formations on Mars

The European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter has captured images of dark, spider-like formations in Mars' Inca City, caused by carbon dioxide eruptions.

The 'spiders' are dark spots formed by carbon dioxide gas erupting through ice in Mars' southern polar region.
These formations occur each Martian spring as sunlight warms layers of carbon dioxide ice.
The phenomenon, unique to Mars, has been documented by multiple missions including ESA's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter and NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
Inca City, where these formations are found, is characterized by geometric ridges, possibly formed from ancient sand dunes or magma.
The process does not resemble any geological activity on Earth, highlighting Mars' unique environmental dynamics.