Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Mar 1979
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1979icar...37..559p&link_type=abstract
Icarus, vol. 37, Mar. 1979, p. 559-574.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
2
Io, Planetology, Water Balance, Water Loss, Astronomical Models, Planetary Surfaces, Tables (Data), Evaporation, Water, Io, Satellites, Jupiter, Surface, Regolith, Bombardment, Mixing, Theoretical Studies, Salts, Radiation, Heating, Meteoroid Impacts, Vaporization, Sputtering, Charged Particles, Photolysis
Scientific paper
Various processes have been examined to determine their impact on water loss from Io and the formation of an anhydrous surface. Thermal escape, photolysis, and gas-phase charged particle interactions are shown to be unimportant. Recent laboratory experiments have shown that charged-particle sputtering is likely to be an effective mechanism for the removal of water ice from Io's surface. Vaporization of ice by meteoroid impacts may also be significant. The overall sputtering rate appears to be sufficiently high that the formation of a substantial regolith due to meteoroid bombardment will be prevented. However, meteoroid bombardment is probably capable of maintaining a thin (about 500 microns) overturned surface layer from which all free water has been removed by sputtering. Alternatively, a thick anhydrous surface layer may have formed on Io as the result of primordial heating. The survival of such a layer to the present implies the absence of subsequent water evolution onto the surface of the satellite.
No associations
LandOfFree
The stability of water on Io 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 stability of water on Io, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The stability of water on Io will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1651137