POsidonius crater

Winding canals are striking features resulting from the turbulent flow of low viscosity lavas (very fluid), its high temperature erodes pre-existing surface. These turbulent fluid flow and generate eddies and vortices that can be highly erosive and result in twists and turns seen in many rilles. The rilles, located on the western edge of the crater Posidonius is a classic example.

Why scientists are captivated by winding canals? Part of the reason is purely aesthetic - each sinuous rille is different. Some winding canals are less curvy, others as Rimae Posidonius are like scribbles, while still others are so sinuous rilles that have curved horseshoe-shaped. Scientifically, however, meandering channels are exciting because it is possible to see tread layers which was cut during formation of the rille. In addition to exposing the layers cut by washing the rilles also gives an almost dynamic look at where the lava flowed, suggesting very high rates of effusion over long periods of time (often much higher than those typical of the earth). Some rilles are believed to contain pyroclastic deposits, which can tell scientists something about the volcanic history of the rille.

The rille that crosses the floor of Posidonius stretches across the west bank of the floor starting north of the crater and then turning to the south, has about 50 m deep with a width of about 1 km.

The global geology Posidonius can be seen in the attached image. The image clearly shows the flat plains that form the floor in the north and west where the rille is broken and the floor tilted on the eastern side of the crater.

The Rima G Bond, Chacronac and Romer are a simple toast in the picture!

Source: LROC - NASA, Arizona State University / Jeffrey Plescia, Lunar Networks

Adaptation and text: Avani Soares

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