Ridges on Europa: Origin by Incremental Ice-WedgingThe surface of Europa is covered by ridges that display a variety of morphologies . The most common type is characterized by a double ridge divided by an axial trough. These ridges are, in general, narrow (typically only a few km across) and remarkably linear. They are up to a few hundred meters high and the inner and outer slopes appear to stand at the angle of repose . A number of diverse mechanisms have been proposed to explain the formation of these ubiquitous features , although none can fully account for all of their observed characteristics. We propose a different formation theory in which accumulation of material within cracks that open during the extensional phase of the tidal cycle prevents complete closure of the cracks during the tidal cycle s compressional phase. This accumulation deforms the surrounding ice and, in time, results in the growth of a landform remarkably similar to the ridges observed on Europa.
Document ID
20040055890
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Melosh, H. J. (Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Turtle, E. P. (Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Icy Worlds: Moving and Grooving