A Thermal Model and the Hermean Hollows: Constraints on Plausible
Volatiles Involved in Hollow Formation on Mercury
Abstract
We propose a thermal-fluid system model for hollow formation. A
subsurface heat source (typically impact-related) produces volatiles
from LRM and drives them to the surface. Volatiles generated through
heating of LRM are likely S and S-bearing gases produced by thermal
decomposition of sulfides heated by the impact process. C-bearing
volatiles, such as CH4 and other simple organics, and potentially
fullerenes within LRM, may also be involved in proposed thermal-fluid
systems responsible for hollow formation.