Print Email Facebook Twitter Crevasse Propagation on Brittle Ice Title Crevasse Propagation on Brittle Ice: Application to Cycloids on Europa Author Poinelli, M. (TU Delft Physical and Space Geodesy; California Institute of Technology) Larour, Eric (California Institute of Technology) Castillo-Rogez, Julie (California Institute of Technology) Vermeersen, L.L.A. (TU Delft Physical and Space Geodesy; TU Delft Astrodynamics & Space Missions) Date 2019 Abstract Existing lineaments on the surface of the Jovian moon Europa are thought to be the result of ongoing brittle crack formation in the elastic regime. Arcuate features are called cycloids and can be modeled using linear elastic fracture mechanics. Here, we build on existing terrestrial models of rift propagation and extend them to cycloids on the moon. We propose that these cracks tend to grow as a series of nearly instantaneous events, spaced by periods of inactivity. The behavior is similar to what is observed on Antarctic ice shelves, where rifts can remain dormant for years. We argue that dormant periods between growth events could explain the presence of cycloids on Europa even without invoking secular motion of the crust. Furthermore, being able to model propagation events and their timing should help future missions exploring the moon. To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:253f2ef5-ee67-43c2-9339-024fe19bc86a DOI https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GL084033 ISSN 0094-8276 Source Geophysical Research Letters, 46 (21), 11756-11763 Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type journal article Rights © 2019 M. Poinelli, Eric Larour, Julie Castillo-Rogez, L.L.A. Vermeersen Files PDF 2019GL084033.pdf 2.89 MB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:253f2ef5-ee67-43c2-9339-024fe19bc86a/datastream/OBJ/view