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cryovolcanism

A Dictionary of Astronomy | 1997 | Copyright

cryovolcanism Rapid melting of ice to form a flow of liquid or gas, which then escapes onto the surface of a planetary body. Formations such as lava tubes, ejecta blankets, and plumes that are seen in terrestrial volcanoes all have cryovolcanic equivalents. In the outer Solar System water ice is a common cryovolcanic material, for example in the eruptions seen on Saturn's moon Enceladus. On colder moons cryovolcanic processes are driven by other ices, such as nitrogen, which melt or vaporize at temperatures below 0°C. The nitrogen geysers of Triton are an example of cryovolcanism involving a substance other than water.

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cryovolcanism

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | | Copyright

cryovolcanism Volcanism occurring at low temperatures, where liquid erupts through an overlying crust of ice. The liquid probably consists of brine containing magnesium and sodium sulphates; at extremely low temperatures ammonia may also be present. Cryovolcanism is known to be active on Enceladus, Europa, and Ganymede.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "cryovolcanism." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "cryovolcanism." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-cryovolcanism.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "cryovolcanism." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-cryovolcanism.html

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