Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Jun 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006dda....37.1607s&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DDA meeting #37, #16.07
Mathematics
Logic
Scientific paper
Diurnally-varying tidal stress on Europa results in the formation of arcuate cracks called cycloids. Modeling of cycloids based on tidal stress has provided evidence for non-synchronous rotation of Europa and helped to constrain its rotation rate (Hoppa et al., Science, 285:1899-1902, 1999). While fits of cycloids have improved over time, some observed features still cannot be fit using the diurnal stress model, even when stress accumulated during non-synchronous rotation is taken into account. In particular, observed cycloids that are near to or crossing the equator have not been modeled successfully in previous studies.
Recently it has been suggested that Europa has a non-zero obliquity of order 0.1º (Bills, Icarus, 175(1):233-247, 2005). Hurford et al. investigated the effects of obliquity on the stress field and generated global maps of hypothetical cycloids (LPSC abstract #13.03, 2006). They found that several of the observed attributes of the global cycloidal crack pattern, which were previously not reproducible, are natural results of stress from a small amount of obliquity ( 0.1º). Here, we reexamine specific cycloids that lie near or across the equator. Previously we were unable to model these features, but inclusion of the stresses resulting from Europa's obliquity has allowed us to finally reproduce these cycloids. Our preliminary results indicate that no more than 0.5º of obliquity is required to fit these cycloids. Moreover, non-synchronous rotation is still required to explain how the cycloids have migrated from their formation longitudes to their current locations. Our results provide the first geologic evidence for a finite obliquity of Europa and confirm the likelihood of slow non-synchronous rotation. Including the effects of obliquity when modeling cycloids may lead to a more accurate determination of the non-synchronous rotation rate.
Greenberg Richard
Hurford Terry A.
Sarid Alyssa R.
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