Biology
Scientific paper
Sep 1987
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1987esasp.278..495w&link_type=abstract
In ESA, Proceedings of the International Symposium on the Diversity and Similarity of Comets p 495-499 (SEE N88-21884 14-91)
Biology
1
Astronomical Models, Comet Nuclei, Crusts, Evolution (Development), Exobiology, Flyby Missions, Ice, Physical Chemistry, Snow, Solar Radiation, Sublimation
Scientific paper
Comet missions are shown to validate the two-phase surface model of Shul'man, except that loose grains are consolidated via physico-chemical and gas deposition into a coherent crust. This primarily organic crust is further consolidated by cooking in solar radiation, especially at peak temperatures around perihelion. The two surface phases of sublimating ices and nonvolatile crust are disjoint, the former deepening into crater-like hollows over many apparitions. The transition to nonvolatile crust is unstable, subject to competing consolidation and disruption processes, and sensitive to seasonal changes. While a low density snowball interior is favored, ice sheets or frozen lakes covering liquid or gas pockets might be formed and occasionally erupt. Comets vanish when crustal growth completely covers the surface, but are rejuvenated when a boulder impact starts a new crater. Nucleus splitting is seen as the culmination of irregular erosion, deepening the craters through a substantial fraction of the nucleus or through to a hollow center.
Wallis Max K.
Wickramasinghe Chandra N.
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