Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2001
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001agufm.p21c..06k&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2001, abstract #P21C-06
Mathematics
Logic
5430 Interiors (8147), 5455 Origin And Evolution, 5464 Remote Sensing, 6218 Jovian Satellites
Scientific paper
Many different lines of geological and geophysical evidences point to the possibility of a liquid subsurface ocean on Jupiter's moon, Europa. For example, the very young age (< 20 my) of the surface and the isostatic relaxation of recent impact craters suggest that the surface is renewed by processes operating in a low viscosity region beneath the surface. Similarly, the formation of lenticulae, cryovolcanic features and pull-apart bands are facilitated by the presence of a liquid or a very low viscosity material beneath a thin crust. The non-synchronous rotation of Europa's crust and the presence of chaos regions also require the presence of liquid or very low viscosity material very close to the surface. Perhaps, the strongest evidence for the presence of liquid water is provided by the observation of a strong electromagnetic induction signal observed by the Galileo magnetometer, suggesting that a large global electrical conductor is located just below the icy crust. A detailed analysis of the induction signal seen during several of the flybys reveals that a global salty ocean with salinity similar to the Earth's ocean and thickness in the range of ~6 - 100 kms could explain the induction observed by the magnetometer. With the potential for a subsurface ocean abundantly clear, the attention has now turned to ascertaining the suitability of Europan ocean for life. We will explore different arguments, both pro and con, on the possibility of life forms in a Europan ocean.
Galland Kivelson Margaret
Khurana Krishan K.
No associations
LandOfFree
Potential for a Subsurface Ocean on Europa and its Suitability for Life does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Potential for a Subsurface Ocean on Europa and its Suitability for Life, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Potential for a Subsurface Ocean on Europa and its Suitability for Life will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1238938