Volcano Theory of Pulsars

Abstract

IT has recently become clear¹ that at least some white dwarfs are likely to have convective envelopes. Neutron star models² are generally similar to white dwarf models, so it is possible that neutron stars will also have superadiabatic temperature gradients in their outer layers. Convection in the ordinary sense cannot occur in neutron star envelopes, however, because these envelopes are solid³. How will heat be transported through a solid mantle of a neutron star which is convectively unstable? It seems reasonable to expect that one or more weak points will develop through which liquid material from the core will pour out to the surface. In other words, energy will be transported by volcanoes.