This is the Ice phase diagram.

The Ice Phase Diagram

The diagram to the left can be used to predict how a satellite, such as a moon, might evolve as the layers inside freeze and warm. The slanted blue line shows the changes in the temperature inside the satellite. Over the life of the satellite, the temperature inside will drop or increase. When that happens, the blue line in the diagram changes its slant.

The blue line is superimposed upon the Water Ice Phase Diagram. This diagram is the result of predictions of when certain forms of ice will occur.

As the temperature falls, the blue line will also fall. When the blue line crosses a boundary into a new form of ice, the ices will restructure themselves into the new form, and the moon itself will shrink or grow. If it shrinks, the moon may perhaps form grooves, as on Ganymede. If it grows, the moon may crack, as on Europa.


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