Satellites of the Outer Solar System

by Grasset, O.; Blanc, M.; Coustenis, A.; Durham, W. B.; Hussmann, H.

• ISBN13: 9781441974389
• ISBN10: 1441974385
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-11-02
• Publisher: Springer Verlag

Summary

Recent space missions to the outer solar system, Galileo (1996#xE2;#xAC;#x1C;2003) and Cassini-Huygens (2004#xE2;#xAC;#x1C;today), together with ground observations, have revealed that the moons of the outer solar system are enigmatic objects, introducing extraordinary challenges for geologists, astrobiologists, organic chemists, and planetologists. Chemical exchange exists through the different layers that form their interiors, and also from the interior to the surface. The most convincing evidence is certainly the discovery of water vapour and ice particles emerging from Enceladus#xE2;#xAC;"s active south polar region. Evidence for exchange with a subsurface liquid ocean has also been provided by the inference of hydrated salts on the surfacesof Jupiter#xE2;#xAC;"s moons, Europa and Ganymede, as well as the detection of sodium salts in particles originating in Enceladus#xE2;#xAC;"s plumes. Aqueous exchange with the rocky core may also be possible, considering that 40Ar has been observed in the plumes of Enceladus during one flyby of Cassini and in the atmosphere of Titan. The ongoing CH4 replenishment in Titan#xE2;#xAC;"s atmosphere is additional striking evidence of exchange processes within the moons.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. 1
Preface: Satellites of the Outer Solar System: Exchange Processes Involving the Interiors	p. 5
Observations and Measurements
Environments in the Outer Solar System	p. 11
Characteristics of Icy Surfaces	p. 61
Chemical Composition of Icy Satellite Surfaces	p. 111
Atmospheric/Exospheric Characteristics of Icy Satellites	p. 153
Physics and Chemistry of Ices and Organics: Constraints from Laboratory Experiments
Phase Behaviour of Ices and Hydrates	p. 183
Spectroscopy of Icy Moon Surface Materials	p. 217
Radar Signal Propagation and Detection Through Ice	p. 247
Rheological and Thermal Properties of Icy Materials	p. 271
Radiolysis and Photolysis of Icy Satellite Surfaces: Experiments and Theory	p. 297
Modeling and Interpretations
Implications of Rotation, Orbital States, Energy Sources, and Heat Transport for Internal Processes in Icy Satellites	p. 315
Effects of the External Environment on Icy Satellites	p. 347
Surface, Subsurface and Atmosphere Exchanges on the Satellites of the Outer Solar System	p. 373
Implications
From Gas to Satellitesimals: Disk Formation and Evolution	p. 409
Planetesimals and Satellitesimals: Formation of the Satellite Systems	p. 429
Evolution of Icy Satellites	p. 445
Subsurface Water Oceans on Icy Satellites: Chemical Composition and Exchange Processes	p. 483
Exobiology and Planetary Protection of Icy Moons	p. 509
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