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Models of planetary structure and evolution: The case of IoThe interior structure of Jupiter's satellite Io is probably layered with a liquid core surrounded by a rigid mantle, a partially molten asthenosphere and a thin rigid lithosphere. The core radius could roughly equal half the planetary radius if the core is mostly FeS and if the mantle's compressibility is close to that of Earth's upper mantle rocks. The lithosphere thickness is controlled by the balance of the heat flux q sub e across the lithosphere with the tidal heating rate H within the lithosphere and the heat flux q; from the interior into the lithosphere. The maximum thickness determined by a balance of q sub e with H is probably much smaller than the lithosphere thickness that maximizes H. Thus, if Io's interior was once melted and if it's resonant orbital state is ancient it will freeze from the inside out. The time scale of internal and latent heat removal in a molten Io is 10 to the eighth power. Io's strong volcanic activity suggests the persistence of a partially molten asthenosphere to the present time.
Document ID
19850025561
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Spohn, T.
(Westfaelische Wilhelms Univ. Muenster, Germany)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Inst. Terrest. Planets: Comp. Planetology
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
85N33874
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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