The composition of Io

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Abstract

Io is unlike any other body in the Solar System making questions about its chemical composition especially interesting and challenging. This chapter examines the many different, but frustratingly indirect, constraints we have on the bulk composition of this restless moon. A detailed consideration of Io’s lavas is used to illustrate how decades of research have bounded, but not pinned down, the chemistry of Io. A self-consistent model for the core, mantle and crust is constructed based on a conventional chondritic composition but exotic alternatives cannot be ruled out. The study of Io’s composition should provide a fertile and exciting realm for future scientists.

Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title The composition of Io
Chapter 7
DOI 10.1007/978-3-031-25670-7_7
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher Springer
Contributing office(s) Astrogeology Science Center
Description 22 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Monograph
Larger Work Title Astrophysics and Space Science Library
First page 211
Last page 232
Other Geospatial Io
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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