Vallicula

A vallicula (plural valliculae) is a small valley or shallow groove. The term is primarily used in planetary geology to describe small, channel-like depressions, often found on the surfaces of planets, moons, and asteroids. These features can be formed by various processes, including erosion by fluids (such as water or lava), tectonic activity, or impact events. The term is derived from Latin, where it is a diminutive of vallis, meaning "valley." Valliculae are often much smaller and less prominent than larger valleys, and their formation mechanisms can be complex and varied depending on the specific geological context in which they are observed. Their study can provide valuable insights into the past environmental conditions and geological processes that have shaped the surfaces of celestial bodies.