Icy Moons
We study interactions between the outer ice shell and the subsurface ocean dynamics, and the dynamics of the geysers when they are present!
Selected research
Is Enceladus’ ocean stratified or convective with seafloor heating and under-ice temperature gradients both present?
We investigate the competition between convection driven by seafloor heating and baroclinic eddies induced by under-ice temperature gradients, and identify the conditions under which the system undergoes regime transition.
Can hydrothermal plumes penetrate the ocean?
We study the morphology of convective plumes emanating from a point or line source, and how a concentrated plume interacts with an overlying stratified layer.
How long does it take for a tracer to travel from the seafloor to the surface?
We study the governing factors for tracer transit time.
How is the geyser fountain sustained on Enceladus south pole?
Vapor geyser needs to get through a 1-km ice conduit before reaching the outer space, leaving questions how to prevent vapor from condensing onto the ice wall, shutting off the conduit. Hydrodynamic heating due to the shear flow can provide such a heat source.