How does Europa's geological activity differ from Io's silicate volcanism?
Answer
Europa exhibits cryovolcanism driven by melting water ice
While Io experiences extreme heat that melts rock, leading to silicate volcanism fueled by its molten mantle, Europa’s energy output, also driven by tidal flexing originating from Jupiter, melts water ice. This process results in cryovolcanism, where warmer, perhaps slushy or liquid material from the deep subsurface ocean migrates upward. This is evidenced by features like chaotic terrain, lineaments, and potential plumes venting water vapor or slush, distinguishing it fundamentally from Io's molten rock eruptions.
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