Implications of shear heating and fracture zones for ridge formation on Europa

Physics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

5

Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Jovian Satellites, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Ices, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Tectonics (8149)

Scientific paper

We present 2D and 3D numerical simulations of convection to test the role of shear heating and fracture zones on Europan ridge formation. Our simulations show that a pre-existing fracture zone promotes upwelling and lithospheric thinning, leading to topographic uplift of 50 m. Shear heating also promotes lithospheric thinning and buoyant ascent, producing a ridge-like feature with topography up to 120 m. Topography remains linear along strike even under the influence of heterogeneous 3D convection within the ice shell. Although the central trough is not reproduced in the simulations, our results support the idea that shear heating can produce ridge-like structures on Europa.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Implications of shear heating and fracture zones for ridge formation on 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 Implications of shear heating and fracture zones for ridge formation on Europa, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Implications of shear heating and fracture zones for ridge formation on Europa will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1320267

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.