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Grain metamorphism in polar nitrogen ice on Triton
Author(s) -
Zent Aaron P.,
McKay Christopher P.,
Pollack James B.,
Cruikshank Dale P.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl016i008p00965
Subject(s) - polar , nitrogen , grain size , grain growth , geology , astrobiology , atmospheric sciences , chemistry , physics , geomorphology , astronomy , organic chemistry
We calculate the rate of nitrogen grain growth on putative N 2 ‐rich polar caps on Triton. For most plausible assumptions of independent variables, mean grain sizes in polar N 2 are meter‐scale. Triton's polar caps should constitute the definitive solar‐system test bed for the process of ice grain metamorphism. Interpretation of data already in hand may require long path length through condensed N 2 , possibly due to grain growth. Upcoming Voyager data may clarify the situation, although possible complications in detecting a glaze of N 2 ice exist.