Europa PR, A couple of new posts to the Photojournal |
Europa PR, A couple of new posts to the Photojournal |
Dec 20 2007, 09:26 PM
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#1
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 2530 Joined: 20-April 05 Member No.: 321 |
Thick or Thin Ice Shell on Europa?
http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA10131 Europa Tide Movie http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA10149 I'm not sure that there is any new science involved. Seems to me like some nice eye candy for the purpose of getting Europa into the collective consciousness before the next flagship is chosen. |
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Nov 18 2011, 07:05 AM
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 2106 Joined: 13-February 10 From: Ontario Member No.: 5221 |
Just a quick related question; how much do we know about Europa's rocky core and whether it is uneven in depth? I.e could there be places that it makes direct contact with the ice shell, without intervening water? Would an orbiter have to map it or could there be surface signs of these areas?
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Nov 18 2011, 03:26 PM
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#3
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Member Group: Members Posts: 259 Joined: 23-January 05 From: Seattle, WA Member No.: 156 |
Just a quick related question; how much do we know about Europa's rocky core and whether it is uneven in depth? I.e could there be places that it makes direct contact with the ice shell, without intervening water? Would an orbiter have to map it or could there be surface signs of these areas? Short answer, no. Given that the estimates for the depth of Europa's ocean are about 100km, it's extremely unlikely that the rocky crust would come anywhere near the ice shell. Total relief on the moon (Earth's moon, Luna) is about 22-23km IIRC, and the moon's got a much stiffer and thicker crust since it's so cold. Since Europa's geologically active, I'd expect it to have a warmer and softer crust that wouldn't be able to support as much relief. I'd guess the highest point on the crust is ~90km below the surface of the ice. |
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Nov 18 2011, 03:38 PM
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#4
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Member Group: Members Posts: 399 Joined: 28-August 07 From: San Francisco Member No.: 3511 |
... it's extremely unlikely that the rocky crust would come anywhere near the ice shell... But how are the purported "shallow lakes" forming in the first place? -------------------- 'She drove until the wheels fell off...'
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