Charged particle modification of ices in the Saturnian and Jovian systems

The modification by ion bombardment of the surfaces of icy objects in the Saturnian and Jovian systems is discussed. Chemical changes in ices are induced by breaking of bonds and by implantation of incident ions. Long-term irradiation by fast ions produces physical changes such as increasing the surface reflectivity and ability to scatter light. On large satellites, molecules which are ejected by ion bombardment are redistributed across the surfaces of large satellites. For small satellites and ring particles bombarded by ions, such as those of Saturn, most or all of the sputtered material is lost to space, forming a neutral torus in the locale of the satellite orbits and rings and supplying ions to the magnetosphere. Noting the existence of such a torus, the sputter erosion and possible stabilization of the E-ring of Saturn is discussed.