title: Energy Sources for Triton's Geyser-Like Plumes.
abstract: Four geyser-like plumes were discovered near Triton's south pole in areas now in permanent sunlight. Because Triton's southern hemisphere is nearing a maximum summer solstice, insolation as a driver or a trigger for Triton's geyser-like plumes is an attractive hypothesis. Trapping of solar radiation in a translucent, low-conductivity surface layer (in a solid-state greenhouse), which is subsequently released in the form of latent heat of sublimation, could provide the required energy. Both the classical solid-state greenhouse consisting of exponentially absorbed insolation in a gray, translucent layer of solid nitrogen, and the "super" greenhouse consisting of a relatively transparent solid-nitrogen layer over an opaque, absorbing layer are plausible candidates. Geothermal heat may also play a part if assisted by the added energy input of seasonal cycles of insolation.
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Kirk
authors.forename: T V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Soderblom