The phase composition of Triton's polar caps

Details The phase composition of Triton's polar caps The phase composition of Triton's polar caps

Aug 1993

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1993sci...261..748d&link_type=abstract

Science (ISSN 0036-8075), vol. 261, no. 5122, p. 748-751.

Other

13

Atmospheric Temperature, Heat Transfer, Phase Transformations, Polar Caps, Solid Nitrogen, Triton, Albedo, Atmospheric Models, Phase Stability (Materials), Neptune, Satellites, Triton, Polar Region, Polar Caps, Phases, Ice, Composition, Model, Deposits, Nitrogen, Temperature, Thermal Effects, Subsurface, Features, Reflectivity, Albedo, Optical Properties, Plumes, Energy, Origin, Formation, Transport, Seasonal Variations, Distribution, Parameters, Numerical Methods, Depth, Thickness, Simulation, Latitude, Op

Scientific paper

Triton's polar caps are modeled as permanent nitrogen deposits hundreds of meters thick. Complex temperature variations on Triton's surface induce reversible transitions between the cubic and hexagonal phases of solid nitrogen, often with two coexisting propagating transition fronts. Subsurface temperature distributions are calculated using a two-dimensional thermal model with phase changes. The phase changes fracture the upper nitrogen layer, increasing its reflectivity and thus offering an explanation for the surprisingly high southern polar cap albedo (approximately 0.8) seen during the Voyager 2 flyby. The model has other implications for the phase transition phenomena on Triton, such as a plausible mechanism for the origin of geyser-like plume vent areas and a mechanism of energy transport toward them.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The phase composition of Triton's polar caps does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The phase composition of Triton's polar caps, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The phase composition of Triton's polar caps will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1495311