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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
06:04
Simulation of the Planetary Interior Differentiation Processes in the Laboratory
Published on: November 15, 2013
High-temperature silicate volcanism on Jupiter's moon Io
A S McEwen1, L Keszthelyi, J R Spencer
1Lunar and Planetary Lab, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85711, USA. mcewen@lpl.arizona.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 4, 1998
Summary
Io
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Volcanology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Io, Jupiter's volcanic moon, exhibits extreme volcanic activity.
- Previous observations suggested high eruption temperatures, but precise measurements were limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the temperatures of lava eruptions on Io.
- To identify the composition of Io's volcanic lavas.
Main Methods:
- Utilized infrared spectroscopy data from the Galileo spacecraft.
- Analyzed thermal emissions from at least 12 distinct volcanic vents on Io.
- Applied thermodynamic models to estimate lava temperatures.
Main Results:
- Observed lava temperatures exceeding 1700 Kelvin, with some potentially reaching 2000 Kelvin.
- Identified at least 12 active volcanic vents on Io.
- Tentatively identified magnesium-rich orthopyroxene in lava flows, suggesting ultramafic composition.
Conclusions:
- Io's volcanic lavas are significantly hotter than Earth's basaltic lavas.
- The high temperatures support the hypothesis of ultramafic lava composition on Io.
- Galileo's observations provide unprecedented insights into Io's extreme volcanism.
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