Underground magma ocean could explain Io's 'misplaced' volcanoes

In summary, scientists have proposed that Io's unusual and seemingly random distribution of volcanoes could be explained by the presence of an underground magma ocean. This theory suggests that the intense tidal forces exerted by Jupiter on Io could be causing the molten rock to move and erupt in unexpected locations. Further research and observations are needed to confirm this hypothesis and gain a better understanding of the complex geology of this unique moon.
  • #1
PF_SpaceNews
Underground magma ocean could explain Io's 'misplaced' volcanoes

Tides flowing in a subsurface ocean of molten rock, or magma, could explain why Jupiter's moon Io appears to have its volcanoes in the "wrong" place. New NASA research implies that oceans beneath the crusts of tidally stressed moons may be more common and last longer than expected. The phenomenon applies to oceans made from either magma or water, potentially increasing the odds for life elsewhere in the universe.

Continue reading...
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
"equatorial preference of volcanic activity and the eastward shift in volcano concentrations" ... from the link.

How the anisotropy?
 

Related to Underground magma ocean could explain Io's 'misplaced' volcanoes

1. What is the theory behind the underground magma ocean on Io?

The theory suggests that Io, one of Jupiter's moons, has a large underground magma ocean beneath its surface. This magma ocean is thought to be the source of the moon's intense volcanic activity.

2. How does this theory explain Io's "misplaced" volcanoes?

Io's volcanoes are not evenly distributed across its surface, which has puzzled scientists for years. The underground magma ocean theory proposes that the volcanoes are located in areas where the ocean has thinned the crust, allowing for easier magma flow and eruption.

3. What evidence supports the existence of an underground magma ocean on Io?

Scientists have used data from NASA's Galileo spacecraft and ground-based telescopes to study Io's volcanic activity and surface composition. They have also observed changes in the moon's gravitational field, which suggest the presence of a large, dense subsurface layer like a magma ocean.

4. How does the underground magma ocean on Io compare to Earth's oceans?

The underground magma ocean on Io is much denser and thicker than Earth's oceans. It is estimated to be about 50 to 100 kilometers thick and made up of molten rock instead of water.

5. What implications does this theory have for our understanding of planetary geology?

The discovery of an underground magma ocean on Io challenges our previous understanding of how moons and planets form and evolve. It also provides insight into the processes that drive volcanic activity on other worlds and could help us better understand the potential for life on other planetary bodies.

Similar threads

Is my fictional Solar System stable and realistic?
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
1K
Implications of life being found or not found on Europa
    • Biology and Medical
4
Replies
114
Views
13K
Writing: Input Wanted What Makes Great Lakes Earth So Geographically Unique?
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
6
Views
2K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 231)
    • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
5
Views
2K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 231)
    • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top