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[[Image:SouthPoleOfTriton.gif|right|thumb|Image of the south pole of ] taken by ] in ]. The dark spots are signs of cryovolcanic plumes.]]
⚫ A '''cryovolcano''' is, literally, an icy ]. Cryovolcanoes form on ]s,
] taken by ] in ]. The dark
spots are signs of cryovolcanic plumes.]]
⚫ A '''Cryovolcano''' is literally, an icy ]. Cryovolcanoes form on ]s,
and possibly on other low temperature astronomical objects (e.g. ] objects). and possibly on other low temperature astronomical objects (e.g. ] objects).
Rather than ], these volcanoes erupt volatiles such as ], ] or ]s. Collectively referred to as '''cryomagma''' or ice-volcanic melt, these substances are usually ]s and form ]s, but can also be in ] form. After eruption cryomagma condenses to a solid form when exposed to the very low surrounding temperature.
Rather than
], these volcanoes erupt volatiles
such as ], ] or ].
Collectively referred to as ''cryomagma'' or Ice-volcanic melt, these substances are usually
] and form ], but can also
be in ] form. After eruption cryomagma condenses to a solid
form when exposed to the very low surrounding temperature.


==Theories== ==Theories==
], a dark feature on ]'s moon ], might be a cryovolcanic dome.]] ], a dark feature on ]'s moon ], might be a cryovolcanic dome.]]
Usually energy required to melt ices and produce cryovolcanoes The energy required to melt ices and produce cryovolcanoes usually comes from ]. It has also been suggested that translucent deposits of frozen materials could create a sub-surface ] that would accumulate the required heat.
comes from ]. It has also been suggested that translucent deposits of frozen materials could create a sub-surface ] that would accumulate the required heat.


It is ] that the ] object ] has exhibited cryovolcanism in the past. In this case, the source of energy would be ] (See also: ]). It is hypothesised that the ] object ] has exhibited cryovolcanism in the past. In this case, the source of energy would be ].


==Observations== ==Observations==
Cryovolcanoes are found on ]s. Ice volcanoes were first observed on ]'s moon ] during Cryovolcanoes are found on ]s. Ice volcanoes were first observed on ]'s moon ] during the ] flyby in ]. Indirect evidence of cryovolcanic activity was later observed on several other ]s of
⚫ our ], including ], ], and ].
the ] flyby in ]. Indirect evidence of cryovolcanic activity
was later observed on several other ]s of
⚫ our ], including ], ], and ].


===Cassini Mission=== ===Cassini Mission===
] feeding ] ]. These appear to emanate from the "tiger stripes" near the south pole.]] ] feeding ] ]. These appear to emanate from the "tiger stripes" near the south pole.]]
The ] mission has found a methane-spewing cryovolcano on ], and such volcanism is now believed to be a significant source of the methane found in Titan's atmosphere. The ] mission has found a methane-spewing cryovolcano on ], and such volcanism is now believed to be a significant source of the methane found in Titan's atmosphere. On ], ] Cassini photographed ]s on the south pole of ] (See also: ]).
On ], ] Cassini photographed ]s on the south pole of ] (See also: ]).

==See also==
*]
*]


==External links== ==External links==

Revision as of 12:49, 12 March 2006

File:SouthPoleOfTriton.gif
Image of the south pole of Triton taken by Voyager 2 in 1989. The dark spots are signs of cryovolcanic plumes.

A cryovolcano is, literally, an icy volcano. Cryovolcanoes form on icy moons, and possibly on other low temperature astronomical objects (e.g. Kuiper belt objects). Rather than molten rock, these volcanoes erupt volatiles such as water, ammonia or methane compounds. Collectively referred to as cryomagma or ice-volcanic melt, these substances are usually liquids and form flumes, but can also be in vapour form. After eruption cryomagma condenses to a solid form when exposed to the very low surrounding temperature.

Theories

Ganesa Macula, a dark feature on Saturn's moon Titan, might be a cryovolcanic dome.

The energy required to melt ices and produce cryovolcanoes usually comes from tidal friction. It has also been suggested that translucent deposits of frozen materials could create a sub-surface greenhouse effect that would accumulate the required heat.

It is hypothesised that the Kuiper belt object Quaoar has exhibited cryovolcanism in the past. In this case, the source of energy would be radioactive decay.

Observations

Cryovolcanoes are found on icy moons. Ice volcanoes were first observed on Neptune's moon Triton during the Voyager 2 flyby in 1989. Indirect evidence of cryovolcanic activity was later observed on several other icy moons of our solar system, including Europa, Ganymede, and Enceladus.

Cassini Mission

Plumes above the limb of Enceladus feeding Saturn's E Ring. These appear to emanate from the "tiger stripes" near the south pole.

The Cassini-Huygens mission has found a methane-spewing cryovolcano on Titan, and such volcanism is now believed to be a significant source of the methane found in Titan's atmosphere. On November 27, 2005 Cassini photographed geysers on the south pole of Enceladus (See also: Cryovolcanism on Enceladus).

External links

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