Moons of the outer Solar System: exchange processes involving the interiors

Recent space missions to the outer solar system, Galileo (1996–2003) and Cassini-Huygens (2004–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 convincingevidence is certainly the discovery of water vapour and ice particles emerging from Enceladus’s active south polar region. Evidence for exchange with a subsurface liquid ocean has also been provided by the inference of hydrated saltson the surfaces of Jupiter’s moons, Europa and Ganymede, as well as the detection of sodium salts in particles originating in Enceladus’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’s atmosphere is additional striking evidence of exchange processes within the moons. INDICE: General introduction.- Evidence of Exchange Processes in the OuterSolar System.- Section I: Observations and Measurements.- Environments in theOuter Solar System.- Characteristics of the Icy Surfaces.- Chemical Composition of the Icy Surfaces.- Atmospheres/Exospheres Characteristics.- Section II.:Physics and Chemistry of Ices and Organics: Constraints from Laboratory Experiments.- Phase Relations and Chemical Reactions.- II.2. Spectroscopy of Icy Moon Materials.- Physical Properties of Icy Materials.- Radiolysis and Photolysis.- Section III: Modeling and Interpretations.- Interior Structure and Bulk Chemistry.- Internal Processes.- External Exchanges.- Surface, Subsurface and Atmosphere Exchanges.- Section IV: Implications.- Origin of the Moons (include KBOs).- Evolution of the Moons.- Oceans within the Moons.- Exobiology, Habitability, and Planetary Protection.- Objectives For Future Research.- Conclusion.

• ISBN: 978-1-4419-7438-9
• Editorial: Springer
• Encuadernacion: Desconocida
• Páginas: 520
• Fecha Publicación: 30/11/2010
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés