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Chapter 13: Problem 36

Which of Saturn's moderate-sized satellites show evidence of geologic activity? What might be the energy source for this activity?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, shows evidence of geologic activity. The potential energy source for this activity on Enceladus is tidal heating due to varying gravitational forces as Enceladus follows an elliptical orbit around Saturn.

Step by step solution

01

Determine Geologically Active Satellites

Start by identifying the moderate-sized satellites of Saturn that show evidence of geologic activity. According to the available research, Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, exhibits signs of geologic activity in the form of geysers erupting from its surface.
02

Identify the Energy Source

Next, consider the possible energy source for this geologic activity. It is hypothesized that this activity could be driven by tidal forces caused by Saturn's gravity, as Enceladus follows an elliptical orbit around Saturn, causing varying gravitational forces. This leads to tidal heating inside Enceladus, which provides the energy for the geologic activity observed.

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