Jupiter’s Europa

Geologist: Yvette Rossman

Astronomer: Amanda Werner

Meteorologist: Eric Lopez

Biologist: William Munshaw

Per 2 Mrs. Leeder

Table Of Contents

• Geologist Report

• Astronomer Report

• Meteorologist Report

• Biologist Report

Geologist’s Findings• Similar to the terrestrial planets• Composed of silicate rock & thin outer layer of ice• Layered internal structure w/small metallic core• Exceedingly smooth surface w/dark streaks

crisscrossing the entire globe • Has albedo features :marking on the surface may

not be geological or topographical features. • There are very few craters: only three craters larger

than 5 km in diameter• There may be a liquid ocean beneath the ice

Geologist’s Recommendations

Use “The Mole” to excavate the moon.

• Dig were there has been evidence of volcanic activities to see the many different types of rocks.

• Investigate minerals in the rocks to see if they’re valuable.

• Since there is a weak magnetic field there may be metals in the rocks. Some metals could be used as building materials.

• Some materials may be used to build the station (metals)

•A series of dark streaks crisscrossing the entire globe need to be investigated.

• The larger ones are roughly 20 km across with diffuse outer edges and a central band of lighter material.

•The latest theory of their origin is that they are produced by a series of volcanic eruptions or geysers.

•The Station should be close enough to investigate these geologic features.

Analysis of Geologic Stability

Investigating The Oceans

• The images of the surface looks like sea ice on Earth.

• It is possible that beneath the surface ice there is a layer of liquid water, 50 km deep.

• “The Mole” needs to have submersible capabilities and should be equipped with a probe to investigate the ocean.

Geological Power

• Make an underground station powered the same tidally generated heat that keeps the oceans liquid or by hydroelectric power from underwater volcanoes.

• From the station we will be able to build a submarine to explore the oceans.

• If this geology is very similar to Earth we might be able to find ways to live in the oceans of Europa.

Meteorologist Recommendations

• Life for humans on Europa is very difficult to live on we would die if we step foot on it without protection.

• Maybe some Ideas that will help us to live and function on the moon would probably be to make a strong dome like environment for humans to live in.

• Since the planet is very cold a dome maybe to hard to make and live on.

• The moon has active volcanoes in the water and probably living in the water in a large submarine looking place to get the heat from the volcanoes will help us live better.

Surviving The Weather

• Solar energy will not be available.

• The moon may have active volcanoes in the water.

• Living under the ice cap is probably the best place to get the heat from the volcanoes.

• By doing this we will help us survive the extreme cold.

Extreme cold will be the biggest problem affecting the researchers' work.

• Equipment that was flexible at minus-20 degrees breaks like glass at minus-60.

• Rubber tracks on a large snow blower shattered like glass at minus-70.

• The air will be dry as desert air and bitterly cold and will carry no smells

Biologists Findings

_In 1998 NASA used the great kelp underwater forest as a testing ground for a probe that will hopefully search for living organisms in the “oceans” of Europa.

_The probe was tested in many environments to simulate the conditions on Europa.

_Scientists hope to find organisms that can survive the harsh conditions of the Eropa surface.

Extreme Life Forms

Scientists on Earth have found lifeforms from fungi, algae, and bacteria to a few diatoms - and a few items with strange shapes in Artic ice.

We can develop an underwater probe that can be placed inside these deep, hot water vents.

There may be some type of life in the vents.

Biologists Recommendations

_Because of the harsh atmosphere and lack of heat, measures will need to be taken to account for these conditions.

_For instance the under sea volcanoes can provide a source of heat and possibly thermal energy.

_ If the moon had any type of currents then it would be possible to create a dam for a hydro-electric plant, which would in turn provide power.

In The Future