It certainly helps that Raoul asserted the correct interpretation from the beginning....otherwise, we'd probably all be arguing opposite sides. Suggestion is a powerful factor in image interpretation--just ask Mars anomalists.
The large image shows a feature that's actually pretty common on Mars. I've seen quite a few interrupted rills like that. What's remarkable here is the MRO resolution makes it possible to see the details and see clearly (once you get the shadows sorted out) that it forms an arch, something I could only have assumed from lower-res images.
I think we'll find lots of lava tubes on Mars and the Moon, and given that where you find one, you'll probably find more, you can have a whole Leavittown of lava tube habitats. I'd rather live in a habitat in a cave or under an arch than an inflatable covered with dirt. If I lived in the dirt tent variety, I think I'd have a hard time forgetting about the consequences of a puncture--not just a blowout, but buried under regolith too. Would you have a chance to explosively decompress before you're buried alive? What a choice!
Space/Science » in reply to *blush*
re: *blush*