ICERille

ICERille is a geological feature found on the surface of celestial bodies, particularly the Moon. It is essentially a sinuous, trench-like valley that often appears to be the collapsed remnant of a lava tube. These rilles are typically long and relatively narrow, with steep walls and a flat or gently sloping floor.

The formation of ICERille is thought to be linked to volcanic activity. During periods of significant volcanism, molten lava would flow across the surface. In some cases, the upper surface of these lava flows would cool and solidify, forming a crust. Beneath this crust, lava continued to flow, creating subterranean channels or lava tubes. When the lava within these tubes eventually drained away, either by flowing to a lower elevation or by erupting elsewhere, the roof of the tube would collapse under its own weight. This collapse would create the characteristic trench or rille seen today.

ICERille are distinct from other lunar features such as sinuous rilles, which are generally wider and can be hundreds of kilometers long, and are thought to be formed by different processes like lava channel erosion or tectonic activity. The specific term "ICERille" suggests a connection to ice, though the primary formation mechanism is volcanic. While direct evidence of ice within these features is not always present, their morphology and association with volcanic terrains are key identifiers. Studying ICERille provides valuable insights into the volcanic history and subsurface geology of the Moon and other rocky planets.