Triton’s surface

Definition

Triton’s surface is the outer layer of Neptune's largest moon, characterized by its icy composition and geological activity. It features a unique terrain with cryovolcanoes, frozen nitrogen plains, and cantaloupe-like terrain.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Triton's surface is primarily composed of water ice and frozen nitrogen.
2. It has active geysers that spew nitrogen gas, indicating subsurface activity.
3. The temperature on Triton's surface is extremely cold, averaging around -235 degrees Celsius (-391 degrees Fahrenheit).
4. The surface shows evidence of cryovolcanism, where ice instead of molten rock erupts from beneath the crust.
5. Triton has a retrograde orbit around Neptune, meaning it orbits in the opposite direction to Neptune's rotation.

Review Questions

• What are the primary components of Triton's surface?
• How do the geysers on Triton's surface indicate geological activity?
• Why is Triton’s retrograde orbit significant?

Related terms

Neptune: The eighth planet from the Sun and the parent planet of Triton.

Cryovolcano: A type of volcano that erupts volatiles such as water, ammonia, or methane instead of molten rock.

Retrograde Orbit: An orbital motion in which a moon or satellite moves in the opposite direction to its planet's rotation.