Ocean Circulation on Enceladus with a High- versus Low-salinity Ocean

Abstract Previous studies that have considered the ocean circulation on Enceladus generally assumed salinity to be Earth-like. However, according observations and geochemical constraints, of Enceladus’s is likely lower, importantly, it probably low enough reverse sign thermal expansivity. We investigate stratification using a combination theoretical arguments simulations MITgcm. find if high, whole unstratified, convection dominates entire ocean. enough, there exists stratified layer in upper ocean, whose thickness depends magnitude turbulent vertical diffusivity, which remains poorly constrained. Such can suppress flux heat tracers, thereby affecting ice shell leading tracer mixing timescale across at least hundreds years. This inconsistent with previous estimate several years, based size detected silica nanoparticles plumes, us conclude either higher than previously suggested or interpretation nanoparticle has reconsidered.