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Mobile App Chapter 11: Problem 17
Describe cryovolcanism and explain its similarities and differences with respect to terrestrial volcanism. Which moons show evidence of cryovolcanism?
Short Answer
Expert verified
Cryovolcanism erupts volatiles instead of molten rock. Key moons with cryovolcanism include Europa, Enceladus, and Triton.
Step by step solution
01
Define Cryovolcanism
Cryovolcanism is a type of volcanic activity where instead of molten rock, volatiles such as water, ammonia, or methane are erupted. These substances are often in liquid or gas state due to the extremely cold temperatures in the outer solar system.
02
Define Terrestrial Volcanism
Terrestrial volcanism refers to volcanic activity on Earth, involving the eruption of molten rock, or magma, from beneath the Earth's surface. This magma can solidify into various forms of igneous rock.
03
Compare Similarities
Both cryovolcanism and terrestrial volcanism involve the eruption of material from beneath a celestial body's surface. Both can create surface features such as mountains, craters, and flow fields.
04
Outline Differences
Cryovolcanism differs fundamentally in the composition of the erupted materials. While terrestrial volcanism involves molten rock, cryovolcanism erupts volatiles like water and ammonia. Additionally, cryovolcanism occurs in much colder environments, typically on icy moons and dwarf planets.
05
Identify Moons with Cryovolcanism Evidence
Several moons show evidence of cryovolcanism, including Europa and Ganymede (moons of Jupiter), Enceladus and Titan (moons of Saturn), and Triton (a moon of Neptune).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
terrestrial volcanism
Volcanism on Earth is a fascinating natural process. It involves the eruption of molten rock, or magma, from the Earth’s interior to its surface. These eruptions can create a variety of geological features including:
The molten rock, when it reaches the surface, is termed lava. Upon cooling, it solidifies into different types of igneous rock like basalt or pumice. This process not only shapes the landscape but also provides nutrients to the soil, supporting plant life.
- Mountains
- Volcanic islands
- Flow fields of lava
The molten rock, when it reaches the surface, is termed lava. Upon cooling, it solidifies into different types of igneous rock like basalt or pumice. This process not only shapes the landscape but also provides nutrients to the soil, supporting plant life.
volatiles
Volatiles are substances that easily become gases at relatively low temperatures. In the context of volcanism, both terrestrial and cryovolcanism, volatiles play a crucial role. Common volatiles include water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia.
- On Earth, they are components of magma and contribute to the explosiveness of volcanic eruptions.
- In cryovolcanism, volatiles such as water, ammonia, and methane are expelled instead of molten rock.
icy moons
Icy moons are celestial bodies that primarily consist of ice, often mixed with rock. They are found in the outer solar system, orbiting planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune.
- Europa, Ganymede, Enceladus, and Titan are prime examples of icy moons with potential or observed cryovolcanic activity.
- Their surfaces are typically covered with a thick layer of water ice.
Europa
Europa is one of Jupiter's moons and a strong candidate for having cryovolcanic activity. Its surface is primarily composed of water ice, and there is compelling evidence for a subsurface ocean.
Europa's features include:
Europa's features include:
- Linear cracks and ridges
- Regions of chaotic terrain where the surface ice appears to have broken and refrozen
Enceladus
Enceladus, Saturn’s moon, is another famous example of an icy moon exhibiting cryovolcanism. It has numerous ice geysers, particularly around its south pole.
Key features of Enceladus include:
Key features of Enceladus include:
- Plume activity: Geysers shoot out water vapor, ice particles, and organic compounds into space.
- Geological activity: Evidence for a subsurface ocean beneath the icy crust.
surface features
Cryovolcanism significantly impacts the surface features of the moons on which it occurs. Unlike terrestrial volcanism, which creates lava flows and volcanic mountains, cryovolcanism can create distinct structures.
Examples of cryovolcanic surface features include:
Examples of cryovolcanic surface features include:
- Geysers and plumes: Found on Enceladus, these are jets of water vapor and ice particles.
- Linear ridges and fractures: Common on Europa, where the surface ice fractures and refills.
- Chaotic terrain: Areas where the surface appears broken and jumbled, possibly due to subsurface activity and re-freezing, seen both on Europa and Ganymede.
