학술논문
Reorientation of Sputnik Planitia implies a Subsurface Ocean on Pluto
Document Type
Working Paper
Author
Nimmo, F.; Hamilton, D. P.; Schenk, W. B. McKinnon P. M.; Binzel, R. P.; Bierson, C. J.; Beyer, R. A.; Moore, J. M.; Stern, S. A.; Weaver, H. A.; Olkin, C.; Young, L. A.; Smith, K. E.; Spencer, J. R.; Buie, M.; Buratti, B.; Cheng, A.; Cruikshank, D.; Ore, C. Dalle; Earle, A.; Gladstone, R.; Grundy, W.; Howard, A. D.; Lauer, T.; Linscott, I.; Parker, J.; Porter, S.; Reitsema, H.; Reuter, D.; Roberts, J. H.; Robbins, S.; Showalter, M.; Singer, K.; Strobel, D.; Summers, M.; Tyler, L.; Weaver, H.; White, O. L.; Umurhan, O. M.; Banks, M.; Barnouin, O.; Bray, V.; Carcich, B.; Chaikin, A.; Chavez, C.; Conrad, C.; Howett, C.; Hofgartner, J.; Kammer, J.; Lisse, C.; Marcotte, A.; Parker, A.; Retherford, K.; Saina, M.; Runyon, K.; Schindhelm, R.; Stansberry, J.; Steffl, A.; Stryk, T.; Throop, . H.; Tsang, C.; Verbiscer, A.; Winters, H.; Zangari, A.
Source
Pluto, Nature, 540, 94-96 (2016)
Subject
Language
Abstract
The deep nitrogen-covered Sputnik Planitia (SP; informal name) basin on Pluto is located very close to the longitude of Pluto's tidal axis[1] and may be an impact feature [2], by analogy with other large basins in the solar system[3,4]. Reorientation[5-7] due to tidal and rotational torques can explain SP's location, but requires it to be a positive gravity anomaly[7], despite its negative topography. Here we argue that if SP formed via impact and if Pluto possesses a subsurface ocean, a positive gravity anomaly would naturally result because of shell thinning and ocean uplift, followed by later modest N2 deposition. Without a subsurface ocean a positive gravity anomaly requires an implausibly thick N2 layer (greater than 40 km). A rigid, conductive ice shell is required to prolong such an ocean's lifetime to the present day[8] and maintain ocean uplift. Because N2 deposition is latitude-dependent[9], nitrogen loading and reorientation may have exhibited complex feedbacks[7].