The ocean dynamics of Europa and its coupling to the icy shell

The ocean dynamics of Europa and its coupling to theicy shellYosef Ashkenazy (Ben-Gurion University), Hezi Gildor (Hebrew University), FrancisNimmo (University of California Santa Cruz), Eli Tziperman (Harvard University)Application Number: 2018152The deep ocean of one of Jupiter's moon, Europa, is covered by a thick icy shell (tens ofkm), making it one of the most probable places in the solar system to nd extraterrestrial life. The surface temperature of Europa varies from about -220 C at the poles to -170 Cnear the equator. One expects both the ocean and the ice not to be stationary but to ow,driven by surface temperature dierences and by heating due to tides forced by Jupiter andits moons. Yet, the dynamics of the ocean of Europa and its coupling to the overlying icereceived little attention.

We will investigate Europa's ocean and ice dynamics using a global oceanic generalcirculation model coupled to a ice ow model. Throughout the work, an emphasis will beput on producing predictions to be tested using expected future missions to Europa, includingEuropa Clipper and JUICE missions that are planned to be lunched in the next 5 years orso. The calculated ocean circulation and mixing may aect the transport of solutes andtherefore have implication to the existence and distribution of life in Europa's ocean. Thecirculation may also help to explain the existence of water plumes observed over the southernlatitudes of Europa. In summary, the proposed research should help to address some of thekey questions related to Europa's observed features and potential to host extraterrestrial