Geologic activity on Jupiter's moons is powered by:
A) tides.
B) gravitational contraction.
C) radioactive decay.
D) differentiation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Geologic activity on Jupiter's moons is powered by tidal heating. Tidal forces from Jupiter's gravity cause the moons to flex and deform, generating heat in their interiors. This heat drives geological processes such as volcanism, tectonics, and other forms of surface activity. While gravitational contraction and radioactive decay may contribute to the heat budget of a moon's interior, tidal heating is the primary driver of geologic activity on Jupiter's moons. Differentiation, the process by which heavier materials sink towards a celestial body's core, can also generate heat during a moon's formation, but is not a significant source of ongoing geological activity.

Geologic Activity on Jupiter's Moons Is Powered By