The region is covered with permanent ice and is devoid of vegetation or exposed rock. Almost no human activity has ever taken place in this region and all traces have been removed by subsequent snowfall.
Surface reflectance is very homogeneous.
Reflectance variations are caused by subtle surface topographic relief. Surface slopes are less than 0.001 on the 100-km scale and less than 0.01 on the 10 km scale. Regional spectral variations are minimal to the point of nonexistent. Winter climate is colder and windier than summer conditions. Access to the site is extremely difficult.