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An Externally-Heated Diamond Anvil Cell for Synthesis and Single-Crystal Elasticity Determination of Ice-VII at High Pressure-Temperature Conditions
Published on: June 18, 2020
Solid-state ice volcanism on the satellites of uranus
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 9, 1988
Summary
Voyager images reveal solid-state ice volcanism on Uranus
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Geology
- Astrobiology
Background:
- The Uranian system's moons, Ariel and Miranda, exhibit unique surface features.
- Previous understanding lacked direct evidence of cryovolcanic activity on these icy bodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate flow features on Ariel and Miranda.
- To provide observational evidence for solid-state ice volcanism.
- To determine the viscosity of extruded materials.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Voyager images of Ariel and Miranda.
- Measurement of topographic profiles across flow features on Ariel.
- Application of a viscous flow model to estimate material viscosity.
Main Results:
- Flow features indicate solid-state ice extrusion on Ariel and Miranda.
- Estimated initial viscosity of flow material was below 10(16) poise.
- Observed viscosities are lower than expected for pure water ice at Uranian temperatures.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide the first observational evidence of solid-state ice volcanism in the solar system.
- Reduced viscosity suggests the presence of other ices, such as ammonia (NH3) or methane (CH4), mixed with water ice.
- This has implications for the internal composition and thermal history of Uranian satellites.
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