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Science 19 October 1990:
Vol. 250. no. 4979, pp. 431 - 435
DOI: 10.1126/science.250.4979.431
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Articles

Energy Sources for Triton's Geyser-Like Plumes

R. H. Brown 1, R. L. Kirk 2, T. V. Johnson 1, and L. A. Soderblom 2

1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA 91109
2 Branch of Astrogeology, U. S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Four geyser-like plumes were discovered near Triton's south pole in areas now in permanent sunlight. Because Triton's southern hemisphere is nearing a maximum summer solstice, insolation as a driver or a trigger for Triton's geyser-like plumes is an attractive hypothesis. Trapping of solar radiation in a translucent, low-conductivity surface layer (in a solid-state greenhouse), which is subsequently released in the form of latent heat of sublimation, could provide the required energy. Both the classical solid-state greenhouse consisting of exponentially absorbed insolation in a gray, translucent layer of solid nitrogen, and the "super" greenhouse consisting of a relatively transparent solid-nitrogen layer over an opaque, absorbing layer are plausible candidates. Geothermal heat may also play a part if assisted by the added energy input of seasonal cycles of insolation.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Cassini encounters Enceladus: background and the discovery of a south polar hot spot..
J. R. Spencer, J. C. Pearl, M. Segura, F. M. Flasar, A. Mamoutkine, P. Romani, B. J. Buratti, A. R. Hendrix, L. J. Spilker, and R. M. C. Lopes (2006)
Science 311, 1401-1405
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Triton's Geyser-Like Plumes: Discovery and Basic Characterization.
L. A. Soderblom, L. A. Soderblom, S. W. Kieffer, T. L. Becker, R. H. Brown, A. F. Cook II, C. J. Hansen, T. V. Johnson, R. L. Kirk, and E. M. Shoemaker (1990)
Science 250, 410-415
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Voyager Disk-Integrated Photometry of Triton.
J. Hillier, J. Hillier, P. Helfenstein, A. Verbiscer, J. Veverka, R. H. Brown, J. Goguen, and T. V. Johnson (1990)
Science 250, 419-421
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Surface and Airborne Evidence for Plumes and Winds on Triton.
C. J. Hansen, C. J. Hansen, A. S. McEwen, A. P. Ingersoll, and R. J. Terrile (1990)
Science 250, 421-424
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Subsurface Energy Storage and Transport for Solar-Powered Geysers on Triton.
R. L. Kirk, R. L. Kirk, R. H. Brown, and L. A. Soderblom (1990)
Science 250, 424-429
   Abstract »    PDF »
Triton's Plumes: The Dust Devil Hypothesis.
A. P. Ingersoll, A. P. Ingersoll, and K. A. Tryka (1990)
Science 250, 435-437
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