Question

We cannot see tidal forces or tidal heating; rather, we predict that they must occur based on the orbital characteristics of the moons. What observational evidence confirms that tidal heating is important on Io?

a.Io's surprisingly elliptical orbit
b.Io's unusual, egg-like shape
c.the orbital resonance between Io, Europa, and Ganymede
d.active volcanoes on Io

Answer 1

Active volcanoes on Io provide direct observational evidence of tidal heating caused by Jupiter's gravity which kneads the moon's interior, creating intense internal heat.

Step-by-step explanation:

The observational evidence that confirms tidal heating is important on Io includes the active volcanoes on its surface. Despite its small size, Io remains volcanically active due to Jupiter's massive gravity that causes tidal forces. These tidal forces pull Io into an elongated shape and create a bulge that extends toward Jupiter, triggering intense internal heating and resulting in violent volcanism. This volcanism has been directly observed by spacecraft, including Voyager and New Horizons, which have sent back dramatic images of eruptions on Io—solid evidence of Io's tidal heating.