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Corotation lag limit on mass-loss rate from IoConsidering rapid escape of H2O from Io during an early hot evolutionary epoch, an H2O plasma torus is constructed by balancing dissociation and ionization products against centrifugally driven diffusion, including for the first time the effects of corotation lag resulting from mass loading. Two fundamental limits are found as the mass injection rate increases: (1) an 'ignition' limit of 1.1 x 10 to the 6th kg/s, beyond which the torus cannot ionize itself and photoionization dominates; and (2) the ultimate mass loading limit of 1.3 x 10 to the 7th kg/s, which occurs when neutrals newly created by charge exchange and recombination cannot leave the torus, thereby bringing magnetospherically driven transport to a halt. Connecting this limit with the variations of Io's temperature in its early evolution epoch gives an estimate of the upper limit on the total mass loss from Io, about 3.0 x 10 to the 20th kg (for high-opacity nebula) and about 8.9 x 10 to the 20th kg (for low-opacity nebula). These limits correspond to eroding 8 km and 22 km of H2O from the surface. It is concluded that compared to the other Galilean satellites, Io was created basically dry.
Document ID
19870064863
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Huang, T. S.
(California Univ. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Siscoe, G. L.
(California, University Los Angeles, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
August 15, 1987
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 319
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
87A52137
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-87
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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