>I read that in last week's Nature, Paul Schenk of the Lunar & Planetary >Institute estimates Europa's crust to be at least 12 miles deep. He >calculated >this on impact crater shapes. > >If 12 miles is the minimum depth of the ocean, would this pose a serious >engineering challenge for a submersible? > >== >You are subscribed to the Europa Icepick mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Project information and list (un)subscribe info: http://klx.com/europa/
I wouldn't think so. We already have vehicles good to 6.5km on earth. My understanding is that the weaker gravity on Europa means the pressure gradients would also be weaker with depth in a Europan ocean - i.e. we would stay well within spec for pressure rated technologies we already have. -- _____________________ Prof. Chris German, MBE Southampton Oceanography Centre Tel: +44 (0)2380 596542 Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK Fax: +44 (0)2380 596554 == You are subscribed to the Europa Icepick mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Project information and list (un)subscribe info: http://klx.com/europa/
