Energy sources for triton's geyser-like plumes
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Abstract
Four geyser-like plumes were discovered near Triton's south pole in areas now in permanent sunlight. Because Triton's southern hemisphere is nearing a maximum summer solstice, insolation as a driver or a trigger for Triton's geyser-like plumes is an attractive hypothesis. Trapping of solar radiation in a translucent, low-conductivity surface layer (in a solid-state greenhouse), which is subsequently released in the form of latent heat of sublimation, could provide the required energy. Both the classical solid-state greenhouse consisting of exponentially absorbed insolation in a gray, translucent layer of solid nitrogen, and the "super" greenhouse consisting of a relatively transparent solid-nitrogen layer over an opaque, absorbing layer are plausible candidates. Geothermal heat may also play a part if assisted by the added energy input of seasonal cycles of insolation.
Suggested Citation
Brown, R.H., Kirk, R.L., Johnson, T.V., Soderblom, L.A., 1990, Energy sources for triton's geyser-like plumes: Science, v. 250, no. 4977, p. 431-435, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.250.4979.431.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Energy sources for triton's geyser-like plumes |
| Series title | Science |
| DOI | 10.1126/science.250.4979.431 |
| Volume | 250 |
| Issue | 4977 |
| Year Published | 1990 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) |
| Contributing office(s) | Astrogeology Science Center |
| Description | 5 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Science |
| First page | 431 |
| Last page | 435 |
| Other Geospatial | Triton |