A cryovolcan is literally a Volcan of ice. The cryovolcans are formed on the frozen moons and probably on other astronomical objects at very low temperatures as those of the Ceinture of Kuiper.

Instead of Lava, these volcanos eject elements birds like Eau, Ammoniac or Méthane. These generally liquid substances are called cryomagma but can also be in the form of Vapeur. After eruption this cryomagma condenses in solid form because of the very low temperatures.

Necessary energy to dissolve the ice and to produce the cryovolcanism comes from the forces of tide. It is possible that the materials once cold and translucent cause a Greenhouse effect which would accumulate heat necessary. On the objects of the Belt of Kuiper such Quaoar, the energy source could be the Radioactivité

Observations

The first cryovolcans were discovered on the moon of Neptune, Triton at the time of its overflight by Voyager 2 in 1989.

The mission Cassini-Huygens found methane cryovolcans on Titan, and this volcanicity is now considered the primary source of this gas in its atmosphere. Certain scientists think that these cryovolcans could shelter a extraterrestrial Vie, of the manner of hydrothermal mounts who shelter a whole ecosystem within the biological desert of the ocean deeps. In 2005 Cassini photographed Geyser S on the south pole of Encelade (See also: Cryovolcanisme on Encelade).

Indirect evidences of cryovolcanism were observed on the other frozen moons including Europe, Ganymède and Miranda.

External English bonds

• Triton - Triton At the Nine Planets

• South Pole off Triton - Triton At SolarViews.com
• Cryovolcanism - Article At the Encyclopedia off Astrobiology, Astronomy & Spaceflight
• Enceladus' South Whodunnit Stripes Spew " Warm" Toilets - News article At the Planetary Society

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