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Effect of non‐synchronous rotation on surface stress upon Europa: Constraints on surface rheology
Author(s) -
Harada Yuji,
Kurita Kei
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2007gl029554
Subject(s) - rheology , rotation (mathematics) , viscosity , surface (topology) , rotation period , geology , deformation (meteorology) , stress (linguistics) , mechanics , geodesy , geophysics , materials science , physics , geometry , mathematics , composite material , stars , oceanography , linguistics , philosophy , astronomy
In this study visco‐elastic tidal deformation on Europa associated with its non‐synchronous rotation is calculated. The induced surface stress is largely dependent on the rotation period and surface viscosity. On the basis of the relationship between the geological setting, rotation period, and surface rheology, the surface viscosity is inferred to be in the range between 10 19 and 10 20 Pa · s. The approach presented herein raises the possibility of estimating the surface viscosity on the satellite from not only the rheological law of ice but also the tectonic setting.