Physics
Scientific paper
Apr 2003
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003eaeja....10758m&link_type=abstract
EGS - AGU - EUG Joint Assembly, Abstracts from the meeting held in Nice, France, 6 - 11 April 2003, abstract #10758
Physics
Scientific paper
A fundamental question concerning the Europa's ice shell is whether the rigid lithosphere visible at the surface is underlain by a layer of warm, convective ice, and, moreover, whether the icy crust is underlain by a global liquid water ocean. A quantitative description of the motions of the water masses in response to forces (thermal and tidal) can explore the interaction processes of the ocean with the ice ceiling, the surface of separation between the ocean and the icy crust. With this approach I hope to explore the implications for the stability of Europa's ice shell and cracks nucleation in its various possible configurations. Tidal friction in the silicate interior could produce rapid warming of the subsurface sea, limited by the heating rate and the volume of the subsurface ocean. Rapid warming of the water masses can play a fundamental role for the long terms stability of Europa's ice shell. Some mechanisms have been suggested for the transport of heat in the subsurface ocean. Buoyant convection from isolated sources assumes the motion in form of buoyant jets, or commonly called plumes. When the buoyancy sources are distributed over the surface of the rocky interior, rather than being localized, then convective cells can develop. Both these mechanisms could produce local concentrations of water masses on shallow ocean near the ice ceiling. One of the aims of this project is to determine the efficiency of heat transport in the ocean and the stability of the ocean water masses of Europa. Tidal currents on the subsurface ocean have different circulation systems in the two hemispheres of Europa. Nucleation of cracks and fracturing of the icy crust can result from currents. The aim is to determine the dynamic of the water masses and the produced tensile stresses on the ice ceiling with a brittle and ductile configuration of the icy crust.
No associations
LandOfFree
Dynamical oceanography of the subsurface ocean of Europa 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 Dynamical oceanography of the subsurface ocean of Europa, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dynamical oceanography of the subsurface ocean of Europa will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-844920