Nature, distribution and origin of CO2 on Enceladus

•We present the first map of CO2 at the surface of Enceladus by Cassini VIMS.•The distribution of CO2 in the Southern Polar Region suggests an endogenic origin and control by tectonic activity.•High surface temperature likely explains why the highest concentrations of CO2 are measured between the Tiger Stripes and not directly on them.•Pure surface CO2 could be vented at low-velocity (seeping) as a cold gas (∼70 to ∼119 K) from gas pockets that form between the internal ocean and the ice lid along the main active faults.•Complexed CO2 is detected.•CO2 clathrate hydrates, which form crystal structures, may originate in the internal ocean and be eventually released to the surface by gas pocket eruptions.