Rima Calippus is a sinuous rille located in northwest Mare Serenitatis at 37° N, 12° E. Sinuous rilles are thought to be volcanic features carved out by flowing lava. Because the lava is so much hotter than the rock it is flowing on, it will start to cut down and form a channel. If the eruption rate is high enough, the lava can undergo turbulent flow, creating even more efficient thermal erosion and create even deeper channels.
Explore all the twists and turns of Rima Calippus in the NAC frame!
Related Posts: Rima Bradley, Rimae Posidonius
Published by Drew Enns on 1 March 2011