Large-scale cryovolcanic resurfacing on Pluto

TL;DR

The paper presents evidence of large-scale cryovolcanic resurfacing on Pluto, revealing unique geomorphological features that suggest a complex interior capable of sustaining significant heat and volcanic activity.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of cryovolcanic features on Pluto, demonstrating their scale, uniqueness, and implications for Pluto's interior heat retention and geological history.

Findings

Identification of unique hummocky, dome-like structures on Pluto

Evidence of multiple cryovolcanic eruption sites

Implications for Pluto's interior heat and geological evolution

Abstract

The New Horizons spacecraft returned images and compositional data showing that terrains on Pluto span a variety of ages, ranging from relatively ancient, heavily cratered areas to very young surfaces with few-to-no impact craters. One of the regions with very few impact craters is dominated by enormous rises with hummocky flanks. Similar features do not exist anywhere else in the imaged solar system. Here we analyze the geomorphology and composition of the features and conclude this region was resurfaced by cryovolcanic processes, of a type and scale so far unique to Pluto. Creation of this terrain requires multiple eruption sites and a large volume of material (>104 km^3) to form what we propose are multiple, several-km-high domes, some of which merge to form more complex planforms. The existence of these massive features suggests Pluto's interior structure and evolution allows for either enhanced retention of heat or more heat overall than was anticipated before New Horizons, which permitted mobilization of water-ice-rich materials late in Pluto's history.