This information was combined to build a model that would explain the observed state of Pluto. Emphasis was placed on the Sputnik Plain because the number of cracks in this nitrogen ice-covered region could indicate the activity of a subsurface hypothetical ocean.
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The model showed that under the thick crust of nitrogen ice should hide a water ocean with a depth of 40 to 80 kilometres. Moreover, to maintain the observed conditions, it should be very salty and denser than the Earth’s sea water by about 8%. However, many scientists are sceptical about the idea that Pluto could have internal reserves of liquid water.
How could such an ocean persist on Pluto at the low level of energy it receives? The authors of the paper suggest that the dwarf planet received a powerful impact from another body billions of years ago. As a result, the Sputnik Plain was formed, and the energy of the collision melted the ice. Subsequently, Pluto could maintain its internal temperature due to gravitational interaction with its companion Charon.
