The radiolysis of SO2 and H2S in water ice: Implications for the icy jovian satellites

Spectra of Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto reveal surfaces dominated by frozen water, hydrated materials, and minor amounts of SO2, CO2, and H2O2. These icy moons undergo significant bombardment by jovian magnetospheric radiation (protons, electrons, and sulfur and oxygen ions) which alters their surface compositions. In order to understand radiation-induced changes on icy moons, we have measured the mid-infrared spectra of 0.8 MeV proton-irradiated SO2, H2S, and H2O-ice mixtures containing either SO2 or H2S. Samples with H2O/SO2 or H2O/H2S ratios in the 3–30 range have been irradiated at 86, 110, and 132 K, and the radiation half-lives of SO2 and H2S have been determined. New radiation products include the H2S2 molecule and HSO−3, HSO−4, and SO2−4 ions, all with spectral features that make them candidates for future laboratory work and, perhaps, astronomical observations. Spectra of both unirradiated and irradiated ices have been recorded as a function of temperature, to examine thermal stability and phase changes. The formation of hydrated sulfuric acid in irradiated ice mixtures has been observed, along with the thermal evolution of hydrates to form pure sulfuric acid. These laboratory studies provide fundamental information on likely processes affecting the outer icy shells of Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.