Convective-conductive transitions and sensitivity of a convecting ice shell to perturbations in heat flux and tidal-heating rate: Implications for Europa

We investigate the response of conductive and convective ice shells on Europa to variations of heat flux and interior tidal-heating rate. We present numerical simulations of convection in Europa's ice shell with Newtonian, temperature-dependent viscosity and tidal heating. Modest variations in the heat flux supplied to the base of a convective ice shell, ΔF, can cause large variations of the ice-shell thickness Δδ. In contrast, for a conductive ice shell, large ΔF involves relatively small Δδ. We demonstrate that, for a fluid with temperature-dependent viscosity, the heat flux undergoes a finite-amplitude jump at the critical Rayleigh number Racr. This jump implies that, for a range of heat fluxes relevant to Europa, two equilibrium states—corresponding to a thin, conductive shell and a thick, convective shell—exist for a given heat flux. We show that, as a result, modest variations in heat flux near the critical Rayleigh number can force the ice shell to switch between the thin, conductive and thick, convective configurations over a ∼10⁷-year interval, with thickness changes of up to ∼10-30 km. Depending on the orbital and thermal history, such switches might occur repeatedly. However, existing evolution models based on parameterized-convection schemes have to date not allowed these transitions to occur. Rapid thickening of the ice shell would cause radial expansion of Europa, which could produce extensional tectonic features such as fractures or bands. Furthermore, based on interpretations for how features such as chaos and ridges are formed, several authors have suggested that Europa's ice shell has recently undergone changes in thickness. Our model provides a mechanism for such changes to occur.     

A Molecular Filament Threaded by Helical Magnetic Fields?

We present a multitransition study in the ¹³CO(1-0), ¹²CO(2-1), ¹²CO(3-2) and ¹²CO(4-3) lines of a parsec scale elongated structure connected to a low-mass dense core. Densities larger than n _{H 2} = 10⁴ cm^?3 are inferred in the central regions of this structure, supporting the proposition that it is a genuine filament denser than its environment. The sharp observed drop of the ¹²CO and ¹³CO emissions requires a power law density fall-off steeper than r ^?1 although a single density law cannot reproduce the spatial shift of 0.1 pc between the ¹³CO and ¹²CO drops. Our results support the previous proposition that this elongated structure is a filament threaded by helical magnetic fields, channeling the gas inflow onto the dense core.     

Putative ice flows on Europa: Geometric patterns and relation to topography collectively constrain material properties and effusion rates

Europa's surface exhibits numerous small dome-like and lobate features, some of which have been attributed to fluid emplacement of ice or slush on the surface. We perform numerical simulations of non-Newtonian flows to assess the physical conditions required for these features to result from viscous flows. Our simulations indicate that the morphology of an ice flow on Europa will be, at least partially, influenced by pre-existing topography unless the thickness of the flow exceeds that of the underlying topography by at least an order of magnitude. Three classes of features can be identified on Europa. First, some (possibly most) putative flow-like features exhibit no influence from the pre-existing topography such as ridges, although their thicknesses are generally on the same order as those of ridges. Therefore, flow processes probably cannot explain the formation of these features. Second, some observed features show modest influence from the underlying topography. These might be explained by ice flows with wide ranges of parameters (ice temperatures >230 K, effusion rates >10⁷ m³ year⁻¹, and a wide range of grain sizes), although surface uplift (e.g., by diapirism) and in situ disaggregation provide an equally compelling explanation. Third, several observed features are completely confined by pre-existing topographic structures on at least one side; these are the best known candidates for flow features on Europa. If these features resulted from solid-ice flows, then temperatures >260 K and grain sizes <2 μm are required. Such small grain sizes seem unlikely; low-viscosity flows such as ice slurries or brines provide a better explanation for these features. Our results provide theoretical support for the view that many of Europa's lobate features have not resulted from solid-ice flows.     

Thermodynamics of selected solar flares as determined from the analysis of the spectra obtained with the RESIK instrument

The RESIK instrument is an X-ray spectrometer with bent crystals onboard the CORONAS-F satellite. It was used to observe the spectra of solar flares, active regions, and quiet corona. During the period of the instrument’s operation, many spectra were collected in four energy channels covering the wavelength range from 3.2 to 6.1 Å. For the present analysis, we selected solar flares of various X-ray classes (B, C, and M in the GOES notation), which were observed during moderate level of solar activity (from January to March 2003). The analysis of the RESIK spectra fulfilled with different techniques allowed us to determine the temperature, emission measure, and temperature distribution of the differential emission measure, as well as to examine their time variability.     

Dust masses and abundances in planetary nebulae: likely strong elemental depletion in low-abundance sources

An analysis is undertaken of the relation between dust/gas mass ratios and elemental abundances within planetary nebulae (PNe). It is found that M _DUST/ M _GAS is broadly invariant with abundance, and similar to the values observed in asymptotic giant branch (AGB)-type stars. However, it is noted that the masses of dust observed in low-abundance PNe are similar to the masses of heavy elements observed in the gas phase. This is taken to imply that levels of elemental depletion must be particularly severe, and extend to many more species than have been identified so far. In particular, given that levels of C and O depletion are likely to be large, then this probably implies that species such as Fe, S, Si and Mg are depleted as well. There is already evidence for depletion of Fe, Si and Mg in individual PNe. It follows that whilst quoted abundances may accurately reflect gas-phase conditions, they are likely to be at variance with intrinsic abundances in low Z _N nebulae.
Finally, we note that there appears to be a variation in dust/gas mass ratios with galactocentric distance, with gradient similar to that observed for several elemental abundances. This may represent direct evidence for a correlation between dust/gas mass ratios and nebular abundances.     

The inception of novae transition zone oscillations

The nature of semi-regular oscillations in the transition zones of certain novae is discussed. It is found that hydrostatic collapse following a reduction of radiative support for the photospheric layers is a likely explanation of transition zone inception.