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Energy sources for Triton's geyser-like plumesFour 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.
Document ID
19910027597
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Brown, R. H.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Johnson, T. V.
(JPL Pasadena, CA, United States)
Kirk, R. L.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Soderblom, L. A.
(USGS Flagstaff, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
October 19, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Science
Volume: 250
ISSN: 0036-8075
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
91A12220
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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