Tectonics and water on Europa

Eric J. Gaidos and Francis Nimmo
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Eric J. Gaidos: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
Francis Nimmo: Bullard Laboratories, Madingley Rise University of Cambridge

Nature, 2000, vol. 405, issue 6787, 637-637

Abstract: Abstract The tectonics of Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, are complex. This satellite probably hosts a subsurface water ocean, but the thickness of the outer ice crust is poorly constrained and the episodic presence of liquid water at the surface is debated. We argue that some surface features of Europa are formed by soft ice that is heated by viscous dissipation of tidal motion along faults, and do not depend on a shallow ocean. Our model suggests that transient pockets of liquid water or brine could form at shallow depths in the crust.

Date: 2000
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DOI: 10.1038/35015170

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