Ojha Study Says Europa Water Freezes Within Hours, Blocking Ocean Rise Through Ice
Updated
Updated · Space.com · Aug 3
Ojha Study Says Europa Water Freezes Within Hours, Blocking Ocean Rise Through Ice
2 articles · Updated · Space.com · Aug 3
Summary
Computer simulations in a Nature Astronomy study found Europa’s ocean water would freeze within hours inside ice fractures, preventing it from reaching shallow depths.
Turbulent flow against the moon’s frigid crack walls strips heat quickly, leaving supercooled water to form frazil ice that clogs the pathways shut.
The results challenge hopes that Europa Clipper could sample ocean-fed shallow reservoirs during its 49 flybys, because any near-surface liquid may not come directly from the deep ocean.
Instead, shallow pools or warm surface features detected by Europa Clipper or ESA’s JUICE mission may more likely reflect localized melting within the ice shell.
The finding could reshape how scientists read habitability clues when Europa Clipper reaches Jupiter in April 2030 and JUICE arrives in July 2031.