Exploratour - Does Europa have an Ocean?
7.) From what geologists have been able to tell so far, the heights of features such as mountains, domes, and ridges, which we have mentioned before, seem low. Remember we said that scientists are using close up pictures of features, such as the one shown here, to help determine the heights of different features which can be seen in other pictures. Since there is no wind or other means of erosion, the low heights of these features suggest that somehow domes are prevented from rising very high into the sky.
This phenomenon of low heights of mountanous features on Europa suggests that there might be a process at work whereby the strength of the material below the surface is not sufficient to raise mountains up to large heights. Notice that if true, such a process would require the presence of a weak subterranean layer or ocean.
You may leave the tour and read more about the process of erosion by using the link found at the bottom of this page.
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