LunaIcy, a Multiphysics Surface Model for the study of icy surfaces

Ices are widespread across the solar system, present on the surfaces of nearly all planets and moons. Icy moons, in particular, are of high interest due to their potential habitability, as they can harbor liquid water oceans beneath their icy crust making them prime targets for the upcoming JUICE (ESA) and Europa Clipper (NASA) missions. While space observations suggest that these surfaces are made of granular water ice, the fine-scale structure — such as the size, shape, and distribution of ice grains — remains poorly understood. This raises the question: What is the current state of the ice microstructure on these surfaces?

Various interdependant surface processes interact over large timescales and together alter the microstructure of the icy surfaces. To adress this, we have developed an innovative multiphysics simulation tool, LunaIcy, which integrates the main physics that affect Europa’s ice microstructure and simulates their interactions. This model has already provided valuable insights into Europa's surface, helping to estimate the thermal dynamics, ice cohesiveness/sintering, and crystallinity.

Space observations will greatly benefit from such modeling advancements, which will be essential for a better interpretation of data from the upcoming missions. Multiple other applications for different icy bodies are underway, as we expect that the study of planetary surfaces, much like General Circulation Models for climate science, can greatly benefit from such multiphysical approaches.