Numerical Geodynamic Simulations of the Thermal Evolution within the Outer Ice Shell of Ganymede

Abstract This study presents geodynamic experiments within the outer ice shell of Ganymede to investigate the effects of partial melting into the convective layer, and trying to infer any correlation between internal processes and strain deformations in surface regions such as cryovolcanism and polar deposits. The numerical models were conducted performing a sensitive analysis of the internal dynamic for compressible fluids by varying the viscosity, ice shell thickness, pressure at the melting point of ice, and applying the Anelastic Liquid Approximation (ALA). Results show molten material under restricted geophysical parameters that could allow for emerging material from the subsurface ocean to the surface. These findings will support the objectives of the RIME instrument on board of the JUICE mission, as they point out specific conditions that may, in the future, help to have a better understanding of the internal mechanisms that transfer heat on the surface and modify the geomorphology and atmospheric processes.