GROUND-BASED OBSERVATIONS OF IO

Ground‐based observations are providing new information about the volcanic phenomena at Io's surface. Thermal emission from lava can be seen routinely at infrared wavelengths. One result of recent work is the reinvigoration of a familiar theme — silicate volcanism. In the following paragraphs we will focus on such advances which have resulted from a better understanding of Io's thermal emission. This emission tells us about ongoing volcanic processes and heat flow. Io's total heat flow is especially important because of the tidal interactions among the bodies in the jovian system. The value of this heat flow not only constrains models for Io's interior but also those for Jupiter and for the long‐term orbital evolution of the whole system. Copyright 1995 by the American Geophysical Union.