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Updated: Jul 26, 2025

Simulation of the Planetary Interior Differentiation Processes in the Laboratory
Published on: November 15, 2013
Slow evolution of Europa's interior: metamorphic ocean origin, delayed metallic core formation, and limited seafloor
Kevin T Trinh1, Carver J Bierson1, Joseph G O'Rourke1
1School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, AZ 85287, USA.
Abstract:
Europa's ocean lies atop an interior made of metal and silicates. On the basis of gravity data from the Galileo mission, many argued that Europa's interior, like Earth, is differentiated into a metallic core and a mantle composed of anhydrous silicates. Some studies further assumed that Europa differentiated while (or soon after) it accreted, also like Earth. However, Europa probably formed at much colder temperatures, meaning that Europa plausibly ended accretion as a mixture containing water-ice and/or hydrated silicates. Here, we use numerical models to describe the thermal evolution of Europa's interior assuming low initial temperatures (~200 to 300 kelvin). We find that silicate dehydration can produce Europa's current ocean and icy shell. Rocks below the seafloor may remain cool and hydrated today. Europa's metallic core, if it exists, may have formed billions of years after accretion. Ultimately, we expect the chemistry of Europa's ocean to reflect protracted heating of the interior.
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