Planets · Comets and asteroids
Cryovolcano
Say it: kry-oh-vol-KAY-noh IPA: /ˌkraɪoʊvɑlˈkeɪnoʊ/ noun
Cryovolcano: A volcanic feature that erupts volatile-rich material such as water or icy mixtures rather than molten silicate rock.
On a very cold world, water-rich material can play a role resembling lava on Earth. It may emerge as a thick mixture that freezes after reaching the surface.
- Example
- Ahuna Mons on Ceres is interpreted as a cryovolcanic dome.
- Why astronomers use it
- Cryovolcanic features provide clues to heat and mobile material inside icy worlds.
- Tiny cosmic connection
- Ice volcanism does not require a cone spraying snow; some features form through slow extrusion.
Observatory Planets Comets and asteroids
Where to check it
Written for Cool Moon Facts in its own words; the sources cover the same idea in more depth.