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Formation of cycloidal features on Europa
G V Hoppa1, B R Tufts, R Greenberg
1Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, 1629 East University Boulevard, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0092, USA. hoppa@lpl.arizona.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 18, 1999
Summary
Cycloidal patterns on Europa may be caused by ice shell cracks forming daily due to tidal stresses. This requires low ice tensile strength and a subsurface ocean for significant tidal flexing.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Geophysics
- Geology
Background:
- Cycloidal patterns are prevalent on Jupiter's moon Europa.
- These patterns suggest geological processes related to stress and fracturing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation mechanism of cycloidal patterns on Europa's icy surface.
- To determine the physical conditions required for such patterns to develop.
Main Methods:
- Modeling crack propagation under diurnal tidal stress variations.
- Analyzing the role of ice shell tensile strength and subsurface fluid layers.
Main Results:
- Cycloidal patterns can form from tensile cracks propagating in response to diurnal tidal stress cycles.
- Crack propagation follows curving paths dictated by the changing stress field.
- Each arcuate segment corresponds to crack propagation during one Europan day.
Conclusions:
- The tensile strength of Europa's ice crust must be below 40 kilopascals for this model.
- A substantial fluid layer beneath the ice is necessary to facilitate the required tidal amplitude for crack formation.
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