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Phase transitions and convection in icy satellitesThe effects of solid-solid phase changes on subsolidus convection in the large icy moons of the outer solar system are considered. Phase transitions affect convection via processes that distort the phase change boundary and/or influence buoyancy through thermal expansion. Linear stability analyses are carried out for ice layers with a phase change at the midplane. Two exothermic phase transitions (ice I - ice II, ice VI - ice VIII) and two endothermic transitions (ice I - ice III, ice II - ice V) are considered. For the exothermic cases, the phase change can either impede or enhance whole-layer convection. For the endothermic cases, the phse change always inhibits whole-layer convective overturn and tends to enforce two-layer convection. These results play some constraints on possible models of icy satellite evolution and structure.
Document ID
19860053907
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Bercovici, D.
(California Univ. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Schubert, G.
(California, University Los Angeles, United States)
Reynolds, R. T.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 13
ISSN: 0094-8276
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
86A38645
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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