Catherine A. Psarakis*, Timothy Tizhe Fidelis, Keith B. Chin, Baptiste Journaux, Abby Kavner, Pranab Sarker, Marshall J. Styczinski, Steven D. Vance and Tao Wei,
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Investigating the habitability of ocean worlds is a priority of current and future NASA missions. The Europa Clipper mission will conduct approximately 50 flybys of Jupiter’s moon Europa, returning a detailed portrait of its interior from the synthesis of data from its instrument suite. The magnetometer on board has the capability of decoupling Europa’s induced magnetic field to high precision, and when these data are inverted, the electrical conductivity profile from the electrically conducting subsurface salty ocean may be constrained. To optimize the interpretation of magnetic induction data near ocean worlds and constrain salinity from electrical conductivity, accurate laboratory electrical conductivity data are needed under the conditions expected in their subsurface oceans. At the high-pressure, low-temperature (HPLT) conditions of icy worlds, comprehensive conductivity data sets are sparse or absent from either laboratory data or simulations. We conducted molecular dynamics simulations of candidate ocean compositions of aqueous NaCl under HPLT conditions at multiple concentrations. Our results predict electrical conductivity as a function of temperature, pressure, and composition, showing a decrease in conductivity as the pressure increases deeper into the interior of an icy moon. These data can guide laboratory experiments at conditions relevant to icy moons and can be used in tandem to forward-model the magnetic induction signals at ocean worlds and compare with future spacecraft data. We discuss implications for the Europa Clipper mission.
期刊介绍:
The scope of ACS Earth and Space Chemistry includes the application of analytical, experimental and theoretical chemistry to investigate research questions relevant to the Earth and Space. The journal encompasses the highly interdisciplinary nature of research in this area, while emphasizing chemistry and chemical research tools as the unifying theme. The journal publishes broadly in the domains of high- and low-temperature geochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, marine chemistry, planetary chemistry, astrochemistry, and analytical geochemistry. ACS Earth and Space Chemistry publishes Articles, Letters, Reviews, and Features to provide flexible formats to readily communicate all aspects of research in these fields.