Abstract
We use thermodynamic models and published 1996 Hubble Space Telescope
(HST) observations of SO2, SO, and monatomic sulfur gas in the Pele
volcanic plume on Jupiter's moon Io to evaluate the temperature (1440
K) and oxidation state (3.3 log fO(2) units below the Ni-NiO buffer)
of Pele's magma and exsolved volcanic gas. Combination of these results
with 1999 HST data, on the SO2/S-2 ratio in the Pele plume allows
us to calculate pressures (10(-4.7)-10(-5.4) bar) in the vicinity
of volcanic vent and to present a detailed chemical model for the
plume. Our model indicates that the Pele plume represents volcanic
gas, which last equilibrated at magmatic temperature and was not
significantly altered in the plume. Finally, the redox state of Pele
plume indicates that Io is differentiated and has an oxidized, Fe-metal
free mantle.
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