HR: 1340h
AN: P53B-1240    [Abstracts]
TI: Europan Cycloidal Rift Densities and Io Volcano Distribution: Implications for Tidal Activity
AU: * Madison, M P
EM: mpmadison60516@yahoo.com
AF: Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115-2854, United States
AU: Stoddard, P R
EM: prs@geol.niu.edu
AF: Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115-2854, United States
AB: Previous works have described cycloidal rifts and how they form (Hoppa, 1999), but none have gone into detail on where they occur and what rift density may mean to the system as a whole. In this study, GIS software is used in conjunction with high-resolution images to map cycloidal rifts on Europa's surface. Total lengths of rifts within varying latitudinal/longitudinal areas are calculated and plotted to display which regions of the planet are most active in cyclodial rifting processes. GIS is also used to create contour maps displaying rift density. Finally, rift length plots are compared to volcano counts on Io using the same longitude latitude intervals. The initial results show clear minimum values at around ±90° longitude, and maxima near 0° and 180° longitude (the sub-Jovian point and its antipode). Maxima on latitude are clustered around the equator and taper off towards the poles. These values correspond well to expected areas of extension and compression in Europa's icy crust. There is also a fairly strong correlation between the positions of these minimum and maximum values and the minimum and maximum volcano counts on Io, further supporting this assertion.
DE: 5475 Tectonics (8149)
DE: 5499 General or miscellaneous
DE: 6219 Io
DE: 6221 Europa
SC: Planetary Sciences [P]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting