Physics
Scientific paper
Apr 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002jgre..107.5021n&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research (Planets), Volume 107, Issue E4, pp. 5-1, CiteID 5021, DOI 10.1029/2000JE001476
Physics
36
Planetary Sciences: Tectonics (8149), Planetology: Solar System Objects: Jovian Satellites, Tectonophysics: Dynamics Of Lithosphere And Mantle-General, Tectonophysics: Rheology-General
Scientific paper
There is abundant observational evidence for strike-slip displacement on the surface of Europa. Strike-slip motion between crustal blocks produces shear heating and an increase in temperature. We model the shear heating within the ice crust using a two-dimensional, finite difference formulation, with a near-surface brittle layer of constant specified thickness and a Newtonian ductile layer beneath. We obtain a maximum temperature anomaly of 66 K for a brittle layer thickness of 2 km and shear velocity of 6 × 10-7 m s-1. Such a velocity is appropriate for diurnal (85 hour) tidal motion. The local increase in temperature may cause ~100 m uplift around the shear zone through thermal buoyancy. The stresses required to produce velocities of order 10-7 m s-1 are similar to estimates for present-day tidal stresses on Europa (104-105 Pa). Brittle layer thicknesses >2 km are unlikely to persist at active shear zones because of the effect of shear heating. Shear velocities greater than or equal to ~10-6 m s-1 will give rise to melting at shallow depths. The removal of material by downwards percolation of meltwater may cause surface collapse along the shear zone; inward motion, leading to compression, may also result. The combination of thermally or compression-induced uplift and melt-related collapse may be responsible for the pervasive double ridges seen on Europa's surface.
Gaidos Eric
Nimmo Francis
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