Geodynamics of Icy Satellites

摘要: Geodynamics concerns the internal structure, differentiation and convection, tectonics of worlds. With respect to icy satellites there exists an excellent literature (e.g., Burns, 1986), for Earth a formidable body new research results. In this review, I update some perspectives on how operate geodynamically, addressing interplay between rheology, petrology, tectonics, focusing convection as predominant endogenic process. Icy satellites, if they do undergo are generally in stagnant lid regime defined by Solomatov, because viscosity water ice is strongly temperature-dependent. The Rayleigh number, measure vigor actively convecting interior satellite very strong function radius (going at least sixth power). Convection was probable (if not vigorous) all but smallest middle-sized early solar system history. Today, vigorous only occurs Ganymede, Callisto, Titan, with weak occurring Triton Pluto. pronounced polymorphism ice, expected modulate convective flow. I-to-II transition should augment vigor, while both I-to-III II-to-V transitions should, themselves, inhibit penetration. within larger be or have been layered. negative activation volume ensures that flow coupled overlying lithosphere, which may circumstances generate sufficient stress lithosphere induce brittle failure surface tectonics.