Ice volcano spotted on Titan
Posted: Wed, Dec 15, 2010, 7:29 AM ET (1229 GMT)
Planetary scientists have identified what they believe to be a volcano on Titan that spews ice rather than molten rock, they announced Tuesday. Scientists said the best explanation for the formation of two peaks in Titan's Sotra Facula region is through volcanism rather than tectonic activity, based on an analysis of a 3-D map of the region and the composition of flows surrounding the peaks. Such cryovolcanoes release slushy ice and other material from the world's interior. Cryovolcanism has been seen on other icy moons in the outer solar system, but not in the form of an Earth-like volcano.
Planetary scientists have identified what they believe to be a volcano on Titan that spews ice rather than molten rock, they announced Tuesday. Scientists said the best explanation for the formation of two peaks in Titan's Sotra Facula region is through volcanism rather than tectonic activity, based on an analysis of a 3-D map of the region and the composition of flows surrounding the peaks. Such cryovolcanoes release slushy ice and other material from the world's interior. Cryovolcanism has been seen on other icy moons in the outer solar system, but not in the form of an Earth-like volcano.
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