Digital terrain model (DTM) of Ménec Fossae on Europa, made from Galileo images mosaicked together, and elevation profiles of showing the main depression (depth of ∼200 m and width ∼1 km).
Image Credit: From Matteoni et al. (2023)
Geological interpretation supports geochemical characterization
Furthermore, within the research group at FUB, geological characterization and analyses of selected features of Europa’s surface are being conducted, with high relevance to the overall goals of the Europa Clipper mission. New 3D topographic models of medium- and large-scale surface features have been produced, and the interplay between tectonics and interior processes (such as possible water pockets located at shallow depths within Europa’s ice shell) is studied in detail. Such geological investigations are also of prime importance for interpreting the upcoming SUDA data, as it is possible to estimate the origin location of ejected ice grains with the SUDA instrument (via back-tracking of the grains’ trajectories). Combining SUDA spectral analysis and geological knowledge will allow a detailed geochemical characterization of Europa’s ice and its subsurface ocean. Chaos terrains in particular appear as prime location to better understand the ocean composition, as these locations are composed of recent surface material.