Module 4 - Follow the WaterMain MenuPhysical states of waterAnomalous properties of waterWater throughout the Solar SystemMercuryVenusMoonMarsIce Giants – Uranus, NeptuneThe Icy satellitesTidal Heating - crunchy on the outside, liquid goodness on the insideIcy Geysers on EnceladusEuropa’s sub-surface oceanPlutoA final Splash - SummaryFrank Fuetendee05431475b87c68ebf15bbea4bfeac11808e9eMariek Schmidt3b678a5bd42eb8bf9a55fb761e5f17b11ce872c1
As we have already seen the outer planets are much larger and differ from the terrestrial planets in that they are not rocky worlds. For the purposes of examining the role of water on these worlds we can really separate them into 2 categories. Jupiter and Saturn are the large gas giants, while Uranus and Neptune are somewhat smaller and often referred to as ice giants. That name already hints at the significant difference; let’s quickly examine the gas giants first.
Gas giants – Jupiter, Saturn
We can keep the discussion of water within the gas giants quite short, because they are indeed gas giants. Jupiter has an overall composition of approximately 90% hydrogen and 10% helium, while Saturn is composed of approximately 75% hydrogen and 25% helium. Both are only thought to contain traces of water and methane. Given the sizes of these planets, the absolute amount of water present within them may still be considerable, but water plays no significant role on these planets as far as we understand.
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12016-05-09T15:25:04+00:00Brock Earth Sciences443498efbb7251f48d0d638e5c57b8774f100004Follow the waterJustin Pentesco13image_header2021-05-04T15:34:47+00:00Justin Pentescoe1b177acadc784b8497de179c36bc8e98f92c5e3
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12016-05-13T08:28:12+00:00Gas Giant Interiors1These cut-aways illustrate interior models of the giant planets. The planetary cores of gas giants Jupiter and Saturn are overlaid by a deep layer of metallic hydrogen, whereas the mantles of the ice giants Uranus and Neptune are composed of heavier elements.media/Gas_Giant_Interiors.jpgplain2016-05-13T08:28:12+00:00
