Two new, rare, high-effusion outburst eruptions at Rarog and Heno Paterae on Io

November 2014 • 2014Icar..242..365D

Authors • de Pater, Imke • Davies, Ashley Gerard • Ádámkovics, Máté • Ciardi, David R.

Abstract • Observations obtained with the near-infrared camera NIRC2, coupled to the adaptive optics system on the 10-m W.M. Keck II telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, on 15 August 2013 at ∼15:30 UT revealed two large "Outburst"-class volcanic eruptions on Io. Follow-up observations five days later showed that both eruptions had substantially faded. The most energetic eruption was at Rarog Patera, at a location near 305°W, 42°S; a smaller one occurred further south at ∼310°W and ∼57°S, close to Heno Patera. Total radiant fluxes at Rarog Patera on August 15 were of order ∼500 GW/sr/μm at wavelengths between 2 and 4 μm, and close to 250 GW/sr/μm at 1.6 μm, indicative of an effective temperature of ∼1040 K over an area of ∼120 km², and a total thermal emission of nearly 8 TW. At Heno Patera the 4-μm flux measured ∼250 GW/sr/μm, and ∼90 GW/sr/μm at 2.2 μm, suggestive of an effective temperature of ∼720 K over an area of more than 300 km², and a total thermal emission of ∼5-6 TW. Fits of the Davies (Davies, A.G. [1996]. Icarus 124(1), 45-61) Io Flow Model indicate that these two eruptions are vigorous and the exposed surfaces are mostly very young, no older than 4-5 min at Rarog Patera and a few hours at Heno Patera. The model fits suggest that in both locations lava fountaining is taking place, a highly-energetic style of volcanism. Using follow-up observations taken between August 20 and September 7 we estimate peak effusion rates between 5 × 10⁴ and 10⁵ m³/s.

Links

• DATA https://archive.gemini.edu/searchform/publication=2014Icar..242..365D
• ELECTR https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.icarus.2014.06.016