117k views
0 votes
Compare the geology of Callisto, Ganymede, and Titan. (Select all that apply.)

User CrepeGoat
by
7.9k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

Callisto, Ganymede, and Titan have different geological features. Callisto is an ancient, cratered moon with a low density and icy composition. Ganymede is geologically active, with tectonic and volcanic activity and the potential for liquid water. Titan has a unique geology with methane lakes, cryovolcanism, and a dense atmosphere.

Step-by-step explanation:

Callisto, Ganymede, and Titan are moons in our solar system that have distinct geology.

Callisto: Callisto has an ancient cratered surface, indicating that it is geologically inactive. It is composed of mostly water ice and has a low density, suggesting it has less rocky and metallic materials compared to the inner planets. Its surface features suggest it is as old as the surface of Venus, making it one of the oldest surfaces in our solar system.

Ganymede: Ganymede is a differentiated world like the terrestrial planets, with a core, mantle, and crust. It has extensive tectonic and volcanic activity, indicating geological activity in the past. It has a partially molten interior and likely has liquid water trapped within it. Some of its surface features could be as young as a few hundred million years.

Titan: Titan is Saturn's largest moon and has a unique geology. It has a dense atmosphere composed mostly of nitrogen and hydrocarbons. Its surface is covered in lakes and rivers of liquid methane and ethane. It also has cryovolcanism, with ice volcanoes erupting liquid water and other volatile compounds. Titan's geology is shaped by organic chemistry, making it an interesting target for studying the potential for life.

User DivineChef
by
8.6k points