Saturn's moon Tethys shows evidence of at least one large lava flow on its surface. Based on other characteristics of Saturn's satellites, what is the most probable composition of this lava?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tethys, like many of Saturn's moons, is composed largely of water ice. The "lava flows" observed on its surface are most likely composed of a mixture of water and ammonia, which would behave as a viscous fluid at the temperatures found on Tethys, rather than molten rock or hydrocarbons.

Saturn's Moon Tethys Shows Evidence of at Least One Large