The Evolutionary Mysteries of Jupiter's Moon Europa

Scientists at Arizona State University have investigated the consequences of Europa forming with low initial temperatures and found that if Europa indeed formed from hydrated rocks, then enough of Europa's interior should get hot enough to release water directly from the hydrated rocks to form the ocean and ice shell. The study also contradicts the prediction that Europa formed with a metallic core during or shortly after accretion, instead arguing that Europa may not have started forming its metallic core until billions of years after accretion. The study implies that there may be limited hydrothermal activity and seafloor volcanism at Europa, which may hinder habitability.