Are lunar rilles inverted eskers.

• Main Author: Helsley, C. E.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: 1972
• Subjects: 30; Ice; permafrost
• Online Access: http://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19730051057

A proposed mechanism for the formation of lunar rilles argues that escaping volatiles (CO2 and H2O) could produce a sinuous channel between an impermeable basement surface and a developing surficial permafrost layer. Concurrent with the development of the subsurface channel would be the production of a large amount of fragmented ice mixed with rock debris at the surface above and along the sides of the sinuous subsurface channel. Eventual sublimation of the ice in the surficial material down to and perhaps including the subsurface would develop a feature at the surface that would be morphologically very similar to a valley produced by running water.