Why does Io have so many volcanoes?
Quick Answer
Io is heated by tidal flexing from Jupiter and orbital resonances with Europa and Ganymede. That constant squeezing melts rock and fuels hundreds of volcanoes.
The Full Story
Io moves in a gravitational tug-of-war with Jupiter, Europa and Ganymede. Their orbital resonance keeps Io's path slightly stretched, so Jupiter's gravity continually flexes the moon. This flexing generates internal heat, melting rock inside Io and driving frequent volcanic eruptions. NASA has observed lava lakes, giant plumes and widespread volcanic resurfacing on the moon. Io is therefore the most volcanically active body in the Solar System, even though it is much smaller than Earth.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Io is being squeezed like a stress ball until it erupts!"
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