How does Saturn's moon stripe form?

A recent study clarified the origin of tiger stripes and the ocean beneath the surface of Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons. These geological features are thought to be the result of its unusual chemical structure and its cold core, which sheds light on the evolution of planets and guides the exploration of space in future.

Dr. Dave Stegman, a senior research fellow at the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Melbourne, directed the study, saying that part of Enceladus's story was once thought to be lifeless, a sphere The snow froze until people saw clouds of steam rising from its surface in 2006.

" NASA's Cassini spacecraft recently showed Enceladus as a place of activity, according to geological features such as geysers emerging from tiger-like stripes, these lines were once thought to be Cracks due to tectonic activity at the South Pole of the Moon's surface , "Dr. Stegman said.

The moon is also the brightest object in the solar system because the ice covering the surface reflects almost 100% of sunlight. One of 53 Saturnian satellites, Enceladus reflects so much solar energy that its surface temperature is only about -201 C (-330 degrees F).

Ammonia is a common odor gas on Earth that is often used as a fertilizer, has been observed indirectly on Enceladus and formed the basis of studying the origin of the ocean beneath the surface .

Research results show that Enceladus has a frozen crust formed by a mixture of ammonia and ice gas covering a stone core . Over time, while Enceladus interacts with other moons, a small amount of heat radiates above the silicate core layer, making the ice cover turn into layers of separation. A layer of ammonia-rich liquid is formed above the core layer while a thin layer of pure ice water is formed above it. The work will be published in the August issue of planetary science journal, Icarus.

" We have found that if a layer of pure ice is formed near the core zone, it will be light enough to emerge, and such redistribution of material can produce geological pressure on the surface. "Dr. Stegman said. "However, pure water while resurfacing heats up and causes stratification, this time creating an ammonia-rich ocean just below the surface. The presence of ammonia, acting as an anti-refrigerant, this time helps keep the ocean in a liquid state.

" These simulations are an important step in understanding how planets evolve and provide key issues for exploring and observing space in the future. It will develop their understanding. we know how and why the planets and moons are different . "