Europa may have a subsurface ocean of liquid water due to
A) the insulating properties of its icy surface
B) tidal heating from Jupiter and the other Galilean moons
C) internal heat left over from its formation
D) tidal heating from the Sun

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Europa's subsurface ocean is believed to be created due to tidal heating from Jupiter and the other Galilean moons. The gravitational forces exerted by these massive celestial bodies result in the flexing and heating of Europa's interior, creating enough heat to keep water below its icy surface in a liquid state. Furthermore, observations from the Galileo spacecraft suggest the existence of a salty ocean beneath Europa's icy crust.

Europa May Have a Subsurface Ocean of Liquid Water Due