Liquid water may have erupted from Pluto’s icy volcanoes, study finds

Scientists have discovered features on Pluto's surface suggesting recent volcanic activity involving liquid water. Evidence of ammonia and tectonic activity was found, analyzed from NASA's New Horizons probe data. Ammonia mixed with water from Pluto's underground ocean led to cryovolcanism, where liquid water erupted through surface cracks. Radioactive heat from Pluto's ores keeps its interior warmer, allowing ammonia to remain liquid despite the cold surface temperatures.

What evidence did scientists find on Pluto that suggests recent volcanic activity?

• Traces of methane gas

• Signs of tectonic activity and ammonia

• High levels of carbon dioxide

• Presence of liquid nitrogen

How did scientists discover the evidence of volcanic activity on Pluto?

• By analyzing data from the Hubble Space Telescope

• Through images captured by the Mars Rover

• By studying data from NASA's New Horizons probe

• Using satellite imagery from the International Space Station

What is the term used to describe the volcanic activity involving liquid water on Pluto?

• Geothermal eruption

• Thermal volcanism

• Cryovolcanism

• Hydrovolcanism

What role does radioactive heat play in Pluto's volcanic activity?

• It creates new tectonic plates

• It causes the interior to be warmer than the surface

• It freezes the underground ocean

• It cools down the planet's surface

Why can ammonia remain liquid on Pluto despite its cold temperatures?

• Due to the presence of methane

• Because of the planet's high atmospheric pressure

• Thanks to radioactive heat from Pluto's ores

• Because of constant sunlight exposure