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Geological evidence for solid-state convection in Europa's ice shell

Author

Listed:
  • R. T. Pappalardo

    (Brown University)

  • J. W. Head

    (Brown University)

  • R. Greeley

    (Arizona State University)

  • R. J. Sullivan

    (Arizona State University)

  • C. Pilcher

    (National Aeronautics and Space Administration Headquarters)

  • G. Schubert

    (Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California Los Angeles)

  • W. B. Moore

    (Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California Los Angeles)

  • M. H. Carr

    (United States Geological Survey)

  • J. M. Moore

    (National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center)

  • M. J. S. Belton

    (National Optical Astronomy Observatories)

  • D. L. Goldsby

    (Brown University)

Abstract

The ice-rich surface of the jovian satellite Europa is sparsely cratered, suggesting that this moon might be geologically active today1. Moreover, models of the satellite's interior indicate that tidal interactions with Jupiter might produce enough heat to maintain a subsurface liquid water layer2,3,4,5. But the mechanisms of interior heat loss and resurfacing are currently unclear, as is the question of whether Europa has (or had at one time) a liquid water ocean6,7. Here we report on the morphology and geological interpretation of distinct surface features—pits, domes and spots—discovered in high-resolution images of Europa obtained by the Galileo spacecraft. The features are interpreted as the surface manifestation of diapirs, relatively warm localized ice masses that have risen buoyantly through the subsurface. We find that the formation of the features can be explained by thermally induced solid-state convection within an ice shell, possibly overlying a liquid water layer. Our results are consistent with the possibility that Europa has a liquid water ocean beneath a surface layer of ice, but further tests and observations are needed to demonstrate this conclusively.

Suggested Citation

  • R. T. Pappalardo & J. W. Head & R. Greeley & R. J. Sullivan & C. Pilcher & G. Schubert & W. B. Moore & M. H. Carr & J. M. Moore & M. J. S. Belton & D. L. Goldsby, 1998. "Geological evidence for solid-state convection in Europa's ice shell," Nature, Nature, vol. 391(6665), pages 365-368, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:391:y:1998:i:6665:d:10.1038_34862
    DOI: 10.1038/34862
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    Cited by:

    1. Riley Culberg & Dustin M. Schroeder & Gregor Steinbrügge, 2022. "Double ridge formation over shallow water sills on Jupiter’s moon Europa," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.

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