Final Answer:
The channel on Mars was likely formed by flowing water rather than flowing lava. Geological features such as meanders, sediment deposits, and the resemblance to terrestrial river channels support the hypothesis of water-driven erosion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The evidence supporting the conclusion that flowing water, rather than flowing lava, played a significant role in the formation of the channel on Mars is compelling. First, the presence of meanders in the channel indicates the characteristic sinuous bends commonly associated with water-driven erosion. Meanders are typical features of river channels formed by the erosive action of flowing water, creating curves and bends over time.
Second, sediment deposits observed along the channel are consistent with the behavior of water-driven processes. The transport and deposition of sediments, including gravel and fine particles, align with the sedimentary characteristics of riverbeds on Earth. These deposits are indicative of the erosive power of water and its ability to transport and reshape the Martian landscape.
Furthermore, the overall morphology of the channel on Mars closely resembles terrestrial river channels, reinforcing the argument for water-driven erosion. The channel's sinuosity, width variations, and the presence of associated features such as cutbanks and point bars align with the characteristics of river systems shaped by the flow of water. While lava channels can exhibit some similarities, the specific features observed in the Martian channel strongly support the conclusion that it was predominantly formed by the erosive action of flowing water, adding to the growing body of evidence for the past presence of liquid water on Mars.