Energy sources for triton's geyser-like plumes
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.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 1990 |
|---|---|
| Title | Energy sources for triton's geyser-like plumes |
| DOI | 10.1126/science.250.4979.431 |
| Authors | R. Brown, Randolph Kirk, T. Johnson, Laurence Soderblom |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Science |
| Index ID | 70015941 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Astrogeology Science Center |