Chemical Production by Pulse-Laser Irradiation on Ices: Simulation of Impact Shock-Induced Chemistry on Icy Satellites

Chemical changes and synthesis occurring on icy satellites are generally explained by the influence of UV photons and high-energy charged particles on ices. Nonetheless, impact process onto ices could be especially advantageous and efficient as a local or global endogenic energy source for driving interesting surface chemistry. Impacts can ensure that ices are eventually exposed, for a limited period of time, to aqueous melt in impact craters and ejecta, allowing impurities included in the ice to undergo hydrolysis and other reactions. Upon impact, the kinetic energy of the bolide is transferred to the ground liberating a great deal of stress energy which could initiate in situ a diverse series of chemical reactions in the fracture zone beneath the crater.