Convection‐driven compaction as a possible origin of Enceladus's long wavelength topography

• DOI: 10.1002/jgre.20079
• Publication Date: 2013-04-30T12:21:30Z
• Authors: J. Besserer; F. Nimmo; J. H. Roberts; R. T. Pappalardo
• Keywords: Enceladus

The long wavelength surface topography of Enceladus shows depressions about 1 km in depth and ∼10 2 wide. One possible cause this is spatially variable amounts compaction an initially porous ice shell, driven by spatial variations heat flux. Here, we show that the flux associated with convection shell can quantitatively match observed features. We develop a simple model viscous includes effect porosity on thermal conductivity, find initial at least 20–25% required to over ∼1 Ga. This mechanism produces topographic depressions, not rises, above convective upwellings, does generate detectable gravity anomalies. Unlike transient dynamic topography, it potentially leave permanent record ancient processes shallow lithospheres icy satellites.