Geology of Triton

Triton, with a diameter of ≡2700 km, is Neptune's only planet-class satellite. The complexity of Triton's surface and the variety of surface features is unequaled among the satellites of the solar system. From a geologic viewpoint, some of Triton's features have apparently familiar morphologies and general interpretative agreement exists. However, many of its landforms have novel morphologies and geologic settings, which have given rise to a number of innovative and competing interpretations. The first portion of this chapter describes Triton's surface in primarily nongenetic terms. The authors then review various models and speculations regarding geologic processes that have operated on Triton, followed by an interpretive stratigraphy and geologic history.