- #1
Brage Eidsvik
- 16
- 1
Is it possible for planets to have multiple liquid layers? Like a ocean made of water, with an ocean within, consisting of a heavier liquid. And could it have a sirculation, as water does on Earth?
Exoplanet Climate: Can Planets Have Multiple Liquid Layers?
In summary, it is possible for planets to have multiple liquid layers, including a water ocean with an ocean within made of a heavier liquid. This is dependent on pressure and temperature, as seen in Earth's molten rock layer and the existence of lakes and rivers of brine deep under the ocean. Gas giants like Jupiter also likely have multiple layers, with the potential for solid ice to exist above the normal boiling point of water. In some cases, such as with Titan, a planet can have all water present in the form of ice if the atmospheric pressure is high enough. Exxon and BP have demonstrated that hydrocarbon oceans can float on water oceans, with the potential for a water lake at the bottom of a hydrocarbon ocean. Additionally, CO
- #2
|Glitch|
- 429
- 117
Absolutely. It all depends on the pressure and temperature. As the Phase Diagram of Water below indicates:Brage Eidsvik said:
- #3
nikkkom
- 2,075
- 399
Brage Eidsvik said:
Earth does. It has molten rock layer.
- #4
newjerseyrunner
- 1,533
- 637
Earth even has lakes and rivers of brine deep under miles of ocean.
The gas giants should have multiple layers. Jupiter certainly does.
The gas giants should have multiple layers. Jupiter certainly does.
- #5
Bruce Zerr
- 7
- 2
Look closer at the Phase Diagram of Water, above. Ice XII, Ice X, and Ice Xi can be
solid - above the normal boiling point of water!
You could move a planet such as Jupiter, when moved
down to the orbit of Venus - and it still have all water present as
Ice ... if the atmospheric pressure is
high enough.
solid - above the normal boiling point of water!
You could move a planet such as Jupiter, when moved
down to the orbit of Venus - and it still have all water present as
Ice ... if the atmospheric pressure is
high enough.
- #6
rootone
- 3,395
- 946
- #7
stefan r
Science Advisor
- 931
- 310
Brage Eidsvik said:
Has been demonstrated by Exxon and BP. Hydrocarbon lakes or oceans will float on water oceans. You could have a water lake the bottom of a hydrocarbon ocean. You can also have CO2 under water if the pressure is high enough. Lake Nyos is an example on Earth.
Why would multi-layer oceans circulate less than a shallow oceans? Submarine CO2 oceans could have violent eruptions.
1. What is an exoplanet?
An exoplanet is a planet that orbits a star outside of our own solar system. These planets are also referred to as extrasolar planets.
2. Why is the potential for multiple liquid layers on exoplanets significant?
The potential for multiple liquid layers on exoplanets is significant because it may increase the chances of finding habitable environments outside of our solar system. Multiple liquid layers could potentially support a diverse range of life forms and increase the likelihood of finding extraterrestrial life.
3. What factors influence the potential for multiple liquid layers on exoplanets?
The potential for multiple liquid layers on exoplanets is influenced by several factors, including the planet's mass, composition, and distance from its host star. A planet with a high mass and a thick atmosphere is more likely to have multiple liquid layers, while a planet closer to its star may only have one liquid layer due to extreme temperatures.
4. Can we detect the presence of multiple liquid layers on exoplanets?
Yes, we can detect the presence of multiple liquid layers on exoplanets through various methods, including transit observations, radial velocity measurements, and direct imaging. These techniques can provide information about a planet's mass, composition, and atmospheric conditions, which can help determine the potential for multiple liquid layers.
5. How does the presence of multiple liquid layers on exoplanets affect their climate?
The presence of multiple liquid layers on exoplanets can significantly impact their climate. Different layers of liquid can have distinct compositions and temperatures, creating a complex and dynamic climate. This can lead to various weather patterns and potentially support a diverse range of life forms on the planet.
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