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Polar frost formation on GanymedeVoyager photographs have shown the presence of polar frost on Ganymede, a satellite of Jupiter. A number of models have been proposed for the formation of this feature. The models are based on the transport of material from the equatorial to the polar regions. The present paper is concerned with a model regarding the origin and appearance of the Ganymede caps which does not depend on such a transport. The model is based on observations of the surficial changes produced by ion bombardment. It is pointed out that experiments on ion and electron bombardment of water ice at low temperatures have shown that these particles sputter significant quantities of water molecules. In addition, they also change the visual characteristics of the surface significantly. Ion bombardment competing with thermal reprocessing may be sufficient to explain the latitudinal differences observed on Ganymede.
Document ID
19850056144
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Johnson, R. E.
(Virginia, University Charlottesville, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 62
ISSN: 0019-1035
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
85A38295
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-186
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-82-00047
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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