Electrolytic currents in Europa

Abstract

The transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) currents at the Europan surface are calculated. The study was performed because of the proximity of Europa to Jupiter, which has a strong magnetic field, and the presence of a conductor (water ice) in copious quantities on the Europan surface. The moon is assumed to have a silica interior, an ice layer and, in places, an intermediate liquid layer. Account is taken of surface eddy currents, the maximum current density in the surface and a saline liquid layer, and the TM magnitudes with different liquid layer thicknesses. The effects of random appearances of vertical cracks in the ice are also considered. The calculations indicate that the surface currents could be higher on Europa than on Io, but may be too weak to produce heating effects sufficient to prevent refreezing of a crack.