Ice Crust Thickness and Internal Composition of Europa
File(s)1766.pdf (19.92 KB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Ghail, RC
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
The radius (1569 km), mass (4·868 x 1022 kg) and I/MR2 (0·264, E4; 0·347, E6), have been determined from data returned Galileo encounters, and provide useful constraints on bulk composition models of Europa. I present new physical and chemical models derived from known meteoritic compositions expected to be representative of Europa’s bulk composition. A core is differentiated, along with a mantle, crust and cryosphere. Using a modified CIPW norm method, the mineralogy of the crust and of the depleted and fertile mantle is derived, and hence the density of each layer is found. The thickness of the crust and cryosphere are adjusted to match the observed mass, radius and moment of inertia of Europa. Radiogenic and tidal energy production rates are calculated and used to define two possible thermal structures of the crust and mantle.
Date Issued
1998-03-16
Date Acceptance
1998-02-16
Identifier
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/LPSC98/pdf/1766.pdf
Source
29th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
Publication Status
Published
Start Date
1998-03-16
Coverage Spatial
Houston