Stability of H3O at extreme conditions and implications for the magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune.

ABSTRACT: The anomalous nondipolar and nonaxisymmetric magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune have long challenged conventional views of planetary dynamos. A thin-shell dynamo conjecture captures the observed phenomena but leaves unexplained the fundamental material basis and underlying mechanism. Here we report extensive quantum-mechanical calculations of polymorphism in the hydrogen-oxygen system at the pressures and temperatures of the deep interiors of these ice giant planets (to >600 GPa and 7,000 K). The results reveal the surprising stability of solid and fluid trihydrogen oxide (H3O) at these extreme conditions. Fluid H3O is metallic and calculated to be stable near the cores of Uranus and Neptune. As a convecting fluid, the material could give rise to the magnetic field consistent with the t

SUBMITTER: Huang P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7084128 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature