Planet Picture: Zagros Mountains

The patterns and colours in the Zagros Mountains (Iran) make for an interesting and unique landscape, as we can see in this infrared view. There is something more to this picture, though. One might notice irregular dark patches that interrupt the mountain patterns. These are called salt glaciers. Some time ago they began as salt domes buried underneath the rock. Since then they have pushed up to the surface, much like toothpaste would.

Photo credit: USGS