Polar Wander on Triton and Pluto Due to Volatile Migration

摘要

Polar wander may occur on Triton due to the insolation-driven migration of volatiles. Tritons apparent large south polar cap might be caused by its wander toward the sub-Neptune point. This style of polar wander would imply that Tritons mantle has a relatively low viscosity. A low viscosity would likely agree with the leading side-trailing side cratering statistics and probably agree with the observed internal activity. Polar wander on Pluto due to volatile migration is more problematic, but still possible. Spacecraft measurements of Tritons gravitational field could give evidence for or against volatile- induced polar wander on that body. Spacecraft could possibly measure the degree of differentiation inside Triton and Pluto.