Tracking 3D Ice Shell Evolution and Material Exchange at Europa

Dr. Robert Skarbek

Co-I Skarbek will work with Co-Is Singh and McCarthy to develop theoretical models to calculate the bending moment in an icy subducting plate. This model will incorporate existing laboratory derived data for: 1. the failure envelope for ice as a function of temperature, and 2. the non-linear rheology of ice deformation. Skarbek will lead the development of a separate 1-D numerical model that will be used to asses limits on the likelihood of icy plate subduction on Europa. This 1-D model will incorporate the results of the theoretical analysis, existing laboratory data describing the frictional properties of ice as a function of temperature, and constraints on ambient temperatures that will be derived from the other efforts in this proposal. This 1-D model will also allow for the effects of visco-elastic compaction in subducting ice, and will account for changes in salinity in the compaction process.  Skarbek will supervise simulation runs conducted by Singh and a graduate student. Skarbek will be responsible for model documentation, and make all codes available for use in the scientific community. Co-I Skarbek will participate in all team meetings, and their work will be summarized in two conference presentations, software distribution, and a journal publication.

Dr. Matthew Walker

Co-I Walker will be involved with specific tasks in all three years of the project. Here, they will work with the PI and Co-I Roberts to combine the functionality of two existing planetary thermal models into a more sophisticated and robust model which considers the complex forcings, 3D nature, and potential convection within Europa’s ice shell. The final model will be benchmarked against current models, specifically the TiRADE model, documented, and distributed for use in the scientific community. Co-I Walker will additionally work to incorporate the effects of salinity and chemical exchanges at the shell base into this model. Here, with the PI and Co-I Buffo they will track how evolution of the shell, in particular phase changes at the ice ocean interface, affect salinity concentrations with a goal of identifying mechanisms which can drive ocean chemistry toward the surface for potential detection. Co-I Walker will use these tools with the PI and Co-I Collins to calculate surface stresses, considering more complicated forcing (such as obliquity tides), as a means to fit model output to observed surface geology, specifically cycloidal features. Co-I Walker will participate in all team meetings, and their work will be summarized in two conference presentations, software distribution, and a journal publication.