What is cryovolcanism?
Quick Answer
Cryovolcanism is the eruption of icy or slushy material instead of molten rock. It is seen or suspected on bodies such as Enceladus and Triton.
The Full Story
Cryovolcanism occurs in very cold worlds where water, ammonia, methane or other volatile compounds can play the role that lava plays on Earth. Instead of molten rock, a cryovolcano may erupt water-rich slush or ice particles. Saturn’s moon Enceladus is the most famous example, with jets of water vapor and ice grains blasting from fractures near its south pole. These eruptions are important because they may reveal subsurface oceans and possible habitats for life.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"Volcanoes made of ice? This moon does exactly that"
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