Potential Cryovolcano Discovered on Pluto Hints at Ongoing Geological Activity
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pluto – New analysis of data from NASA’s New Horizons mission suggests a large, deep basin on Pluto, dubbed “Kiladze,” is likely a cryovolcano – a volcano that erupts icy materials instead of molten rock. This discovery, published in The Planetary Science Journal, provides compelling evidence that Pluto may still be geologically active, defying previous assumptions about the distant dwarf planet being a frozen relic.
Unraveling the Mystery of Kiladze
Kiladze, located north of Pluto’s prominent heart-shaped region, Planitia Sputnik, initially puzzled scientists. Its depth – exceeding 2.7 kilometers – is considerably greater than expected for an impact crater of its 4-kilometer diameter. Impact craters on Pluto typically fill in with surface materials over time, limiting their depth. This discrepancy led researchers to consider a volcanic origin, specifically a caldera formed by the collapse of land following a large eruption.The new research strengthens the cryovolcano hypothesis by identifying a significant deposit of water ice containing ammonia surrounding Kiladze. This ammonia-rich ice is unique to this region of Pluto and provides crucial clues about the eruption’s mechanics and timing.
How Cryovolcanoes Work on Pluto
Unlike Earth volcanoes fueled by molten rock, Pluto’s cryovolcanoes are driven by a different energy source.Ammonia plays a critical role, acting as an “antifreeze” by lowering the freezing point of water. this allows a subsurface mixture of water and ammonia – termed “cryomagma” – to remain liquid for extended periods despite Pluto’s frigid temperatures. Geological pressure then forces this cryomagma to the surface, resulting in an icy eruption.
Researchers estimate that the Kiladze eruption could have ejected up to 1,000 cubic kilometers of cryomagma, spreading volcanic material over an area exceeding 100 kilometers. The new Horizons spacecraft’s resolution limited the detection of smaller particles, suggesting the actual spread could be even wider.
dating the Eruption & Implications for Pluto’s Interior
The presence of ammonia is also key to determining the eruption’s age.Ammonia is readily broken down by solar and cosmic radiation. The fact that detectable ammonia remains around Kiladze indicates the eruption occurred relatively recently – within the last 3 million years.
This relatively young age has significant implications.”If Kiladze erupted 3 million years ago, it means that Pluto’s interior may still retain residual heat,” explains Emran, a researcher involved in the study. This suggests Pluto isn’t entirely frozen and may still possess a source of internal energy driving geological activity.
Crucial Details Not in the Original Article:
New Horizons data Specifics: The analysis relies on high-resolution images and compositional data collected by the New Horizons spacecraft during its 2015 flyby of Pluto. Specifically, the team utilized data from the Ralph instrument (a visible and infrared imager/spectrometer) and the Alice ultraviolet imaging spectrometer.
Comparison to Other Cryovolcanic Features: While Kiladze is the most compelling evidence for cryovolcanism on Pluto to date, other potential cryovolcanic features have been identified, including Wright Mons and Picard Mons. Kiladze’s ammonia signature distinguishes it from these other candidates.
ammonia Source: The origin of the ammonia on Pluto remains a mystery. Theories suggest it may have been delivered by impacting comets or reside within Pluto’s core.
Future Research: Further research is needed to understand the composition of the cryomagma, the eruption mechanisms, and the long-term geological evolution of Pluto. Future missions to the Pluto system would be invaluable for confirming these findings and exploring the dwarf planet in greater detail.
* Planitia Sputnik Connection: Planitia Sputnik,the heart-shaped region,is itself thought to be a cryovolcanic feature,a large basin filled with nitrogen ice. The proximity of Kiladze to this region suggests a potential connection between the two features.
This discovery challenges the conventional view of Pluto as a geologically dead world and opens new avenues for understanding the complex processes shaping icy bodies in the outer solar system. The ongoing analysis of New Horizons data continues to reveal surprising details about this distant and fascinating dwarf planet.