Aeolian sediment transport on Io from lava-frost interactions.

ABSTRACT: Surface modification on Jupiter's volcanically active moon, Io, has to date been attributed almost exclusively to lava emplacement and volcanic plume deposits. Here we demonstrate that wind-blown transport of sediment may also be altering the Ionian surface. Specifically, shallow subsurface interactions between lava and Io's widespread sulfur dioxide (SO₂) frost can produce localized sublimation vapor flows with sufficient gas densities to enable particle saltation. We calculate anticipated outgassing velocities from lava-SO₂ frost interactions, and compare these to the saltation thresholds predicted when accounting for the tenuous nature of the sublimated vapor. We find that saltation may occur if frost temperatures surpass 155 K. Finally we make the first measuremen

SUBMITTER: McDonald GD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9018742 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature