The moons line up in an "orbital resonance".
Io's orbit is therefore elliptical, and tidal heating occurs.
Io is by far the most geologically active of Jupiter's moons. Why? Tidal heating!
The moons line up in an "orbital resonance".
Io's orbit is therefore elliptical, and tidal heating occurs.We therefore expect plenty of action (3.7 MB). The surface shows abundant evidence of geologic activity (2.9 MB).