Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009agufm.p51e1167s&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #P51E-1167
Mathematics
Logic
[5400] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets, [5475] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Tectonics, [6218] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Jovian Satellites, [6221] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Europa
Scientific paper
Europa is a world made up of widespread regions of high albedo, relatively old, materials and darker, mottled, terrains (known to be areas of chaos from high-resolution data). On a regional-scale (~100-m/pixel) a surface is revealed that is characterized by complex tectonic and cryovolcanic interactions. The paucity of impact craters demonstrates that this icy world is geologically young and potentially still active today. To understand the evolution of this moon, the detailed stratigraphy of surface units must be established. In this analysis, we perform global (~km/pixel), regional-scale (~100 m/pixel) and local geologic analysis of the area in the vicinity of Manannán crater to identify units and structures that correspond to the most recent episodes of geologic activity, identifying sites for potential future exploration. Geologic terrains on Europa are broadly classified as cryovolcanic or tectonic in origin. Significant outcrops of cryovolcanic materials are found throughout the Manannán region. Local (10s of km2 in extent) cryovolcanic activity is dominated by smooth deposits that appear to embay adjacent terrains, suggesting the eruption of low-viscosity fluids onto the surface. In comparison, large-scale (100s of km2 in extent) cryovolcanic activity is characterized by the presence of blocky deposits with limited occurrences of smooth low-albedo materials. These volcanic provinces, which have a mottled texture in low-resolution data, often show evidence of multiple eruptive centers. In some places multiple sites of upwelling are identified. In some locations, upwelling and lateral motion has resulted in the piling up of rafts with distal fracturing and faulting possibly associated with subsurface return flow. Tectonic activity on this part of Europa is manifested by both compressional and extensional structures. A broad, low, rise that is surmounted by en echelon segments of sinuous fractures cuts across the area. This rise is interpret to have formed under regional compression with the fractures being sites of tensile failure at the crest of the folds. Extension-related features are manifested by a variety of morphologies ranging from single and double ridges to ridge and broad "band" complexes. Tectonic reconstruction of some of the band materials suggests processes associated with simple lateral crustal displacement to more complex activity associated with multiple episodes of activity and reactivation of older structures. Sites of most recent tectonic activity are associated with extensive, narrow, single, through-going fractures. These structures are important targets to examine for potential current activity and are of high priority for future observations such as those to be carried out by the proposed Europa Jupiter System Mission (EJSM).
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