Previous studies have documented the potential for using relatively short-period body waves and intermediate-period surface waves to explore the structure and tectonics of Europa. We show that long-period measurements (0.001 to 0.1 Hz) may have large amplitudes of displacement (millimeters to centimeters) and are potentially measurable from orbit without requiring a lander. To accurately model the long-period response of Europa, we use normal modes calculated from physically self-consistent models of Europa's structure developed in part 1 (Cammarano et al., 2007). On the basis of the geometry of observed faults, we estimate that faulting events of magnitude 5 or larger may occur regularly. Synthetic seismograms show that long-period displacement measurements with millimeter accuracy could detect current tectonic activity and determine the thickness of Europa's ice shell, and confirm the presence of a subsurface ocean. Determination of deeper structure with seismic measurements, however, is more challenging in the presence of a global liquid ocean, which acts to decouple deeper seismic energy from the surface. Copyright 2006 by the American Geophysical Union.

Panning, M., Lekic, V., Manga, M., Cammarano, F., Romanowicz, B. (2006). Long-period seismology on Europa: 2. Predicted seismic response. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH: PLANETS, 111(12), n/a-n/a [10.1029/2006JE002712].

Long-period seismology on Europa: 2. Predicted seismic response

CAMMARANO, FABIO;
2006-01-01

Abstract

Previous studies have documented the potential for using relatively short-period body waves and intermediate-period surface waves to explore the structure and tectonics of Europa. We show that long-period measurements (0.001 to 0.1 Hz) may have large amplitudes of displacement (millimeters to centimeters) and are potentially measurable from orbit without requiring a lander. To accurately model the long-period response of Europa, we use normal modes calculated from physically self-consistent models of Europa's structure developed in part 1 (Cammarano et al., 2007). On the basis of the geometry of observed faults, we estimate that faulting events of magnitude 5 or larger may occur regularly. Synthetic seismograms show that long-period displacement measurements with millimeter accuracy could detect current tectonic activity and determine the thickness of Europa's ice shell, and confirm the presence of a subsurface ocean. Determination of deeper structure with seismic measurements, however, is more challenging in the presence of a global liquid ocean, which acts to decouple deeper seismic energy from the surface. Copyright 2006 by the American Geophysical Union.
2006
Panning, M., Lekic, V., Manga, M., Cammarano, F., Romanowicz, B. (2006). Long-period seismology on Europa: 2. Predicted seismic response. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH: PLANETS, 111(12), n/a-n/a [10.1029/2006JE002712].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11590/291606
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