Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Jul 1994
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1994metic..29q.510n&link_type=abstract
Meteoritics (ISSN 0026-1114), vol. 29, no. 4, p. 510
Mathematics
Logic
Geomorphology, Icy Satellites, Meteorite Craters, Satellite Surfaces, Saturn Satellites, Astronomical Models, Gravitational Effects, Hypervelocity Impact, Voyager Project
Scientific paper
Voyager images of Saturn's icy moons revealed that, apparentaly, most of these planetary bodies evolved substanially since the time they accreted, although models of thermal evolution of small icy satellites indicate that such bodies would experience little internal activity after formation. Several of the saturnian satellites (Rhea, Dione, Tethys, Mimas) were imaged at high resolution that allowed identification of terrain types of distinctly different morphology ranging from rough, heavily cratered areas to smooth, lightly cratered plains. At the same time the size-frequency distribution of impact craters for various regions of the saturnian moons'surfaces indicate that the satellites are dominated by two populations of craters. Some models have been developed to explain the putative prolonged postaccretional geologic activity that reworked large parts of the saturnian moons' surfaces. But no one predicts surface or near-surface melting. Presented is a model of saturnian satellites evolution that explains the appearance of their resurfaced areas without taking into account any important geologic activity of their interior. According to this model, immediately after their accretion the saturnian moons were intensely bombarded by objects left over from saturnian system formation. At about 3.9 Ga the Sun underwent a very violent explosive phase, expelling into space some percentage of its mass and generating the second great thermal event (SGTE) in the history of the solar system. The result was the change of the moons' spin into a synchronous rotation and the disappearance or subduction of population I craters on large parts of the moons' surfaces. The model is strongly supported by the available data on the saturnian satellites and by abundant evidence in favor of the SGTE occurrence at 3.9 Ga. At the same time, this model is in agreement with the assumption of McKay et al. concerning the origin of molecular N and organics on primordial Titan.
No associations
LandOfFree
On the origin of surface morphologies of Saturn's icy moons 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 On the origin of surface morphologies of Saturn's icy moons, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the origin of surface morphologies of Saturn's icy moons will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-822158