Lineae

For other uses, see La Linea.

Linea /ˈlɪniːə/ (plural: lineae /ˈlɪnɪiː/) is Latin for 'line'.^[1] In planetary geology it is used to refer to any long markings, dark or bright, on a planet or moon's surface. The planet Venus and Jupiter's moon Europa have numerous lineae; Saturn's moon Rhea and the dwarf planet Pluto have several.^[2][3]

Low resolution view of lineae on Europa

On Mars, recurring slope lineae form seasonally on warm Martian slopes as dark downhill streaks, growing during warm seasons and fading in cold seasons. They are thought to be either caused by salty liquid water flows during warm months, or dry grains flowing down in a kind of landslide.

Recurring slope lineae as seen on Newton crater of Mars.