What appears to have caused the extensive cracking and streaking of the surface of Europa?
A) shrinking of the satellite as it cooled, producing extensive wrinkling
B) impacts by cometary debris breaking up the surface
C) expansion of the surface as the ice froze, bending and wrinkling the surface
D) tidal flexing by Jupiter and its other moons, which broke the surface and released water that immediately froze

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The extensive cracking and streaking of the surface of Europa is primarily caused by tidal flexing due to the gravitational pull of Jupiter and its other moons. This process generates heat, which can melt subsurface ice, leading to the breaking of the surface and the release of water that immediately freezes, forming the observed patterns.

What Appears to Have Caused the Extensive Cracking and Streaking