Shallow Subsurface Water at the Base of Europa's Double Ridges

Abstract Recent numerical modeling and the detection of an Earth analog advanced our understanding of the formation mechanisms behind Europa's distinctive double ridges. Notably, a recent contribution by Cashion et al. (2024, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je008007 ), demonstrated that ice wedging as a primary formation mechanism can accurately reproduce the topographic characteristics of double ridges. Building on previous theoretical foundations laid by Melosh and Turtle (2004, https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2004LPI….35.2029M/abstract ), it hints at a complex hydrological system within the ice shell, characterized by local reservoirs and cycles of freezing that could also explain other observed geological formations, such as lenticulae and chaos terrain. This dynamic suggests the possibility of material exchange processes within the ice shell of Europa and enhances our understanding of the moon's habitability.