The composition and internal structure of Europa
File(s)1040.pdf (23.43 KB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Ghail, RC
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
The bulk density of Europa, as derived from Voyager data, indicated a bulk composition similar to the Moon or Mars but with the addition of 5 to 10% water. The accepted view was that this water is distributed as a layer of ice ~150 km thick [1] at the surface. Debate has continued as to whether this layer is partly liquid. Ransford [2] was the first to suggest that this model may be too simplistic and proposed that there may also be a hydrated silicate layer. However, a full cosmochemical treatment of Europa (or any Galilean satellite) has not be conducted. This abstract presents the results of a simple model of Europa derived from the composition of a chondrite appropriate to its position in the proto-jovian nebula. This model assumes full differentiation into core, mantle, crust and cryosphere and that the internal temperature distribution is such that hydrated silicates are stable to their pressure limited phase boundary (at about 2 GPa). The model has been refined to fit the within the uncertainty limits of mass and radius but is not unique and other possible compositions have yet to be tested. The bulk composition used in the model is listed in Table 1 by weight percent and mole fraction.
Date Issued
1997-03-17
Date Acceptance
1997-02-10
Source
28th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
Start Date
1997-03-17
Coverage Spatial
Houston