Predicted Heat Flow at the Surface of Io from Different Tidal Heating Models (IMAGE)

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Predicted Heat Flow at the Surface of Io from Different Tidal Heating Models

Caption

This is a map of the predicted heat flow at the surface of Io from different tidal heating models. Red areas are where more heat is expected at the surface while blue areas are where less heat is expected. Figure A shows the expected distribution of heat on Io's surface if tidal heating occurred primarily within the deep mantle, and figure B is the surface heat flow pattern expected if heating occurs primarily within the asthenosphere. In the deep mantle scenario, surface heat flow concentrates primarily at the poles, whereas in the asthenospheric heating scenario, surface heat flow concentrates near the equator.

Credit

Credit: NASA/Christopher Hamilton

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