Ganymede, one of the key targets of the joint NASA/ESA Europa-Jupiter System Mission study, is a highly evolved planetary object. It is the only satellite - and one among only three solid planetary objects in the solar system - generating a present-day intrinsic magnetic field. The complex geology of its icy surface reveals a very dynamic history that is also linked to Io's and Europa's evolution by the Laplace resonance coupling. With a large fraction of water ice and its completely differentiated structure, Ganymede is the archetypal example of an evolved icy moon. The putative subsurface ocean makes it a high priority target to assess habitability in the Jovian System and in the Solar System as a whole. Beyond that it is an important object to study in relation to extrasolar planets that may contain substantial amounts of water ice.

This session will include oral and poster presentations addressing Ganymede's (1) interior structure and thermal evolution, (2)* magnetic field, (3) surface geology and composition, (4) exosphere and environment, (5) orbital evolution, and (6)* ocean and habitability. Additionally, contributions related to (7) its future exploration and (8)* comparative studies to other icy satellites and exoplanets are welcome. The session will cover theoretical studies as well as results from ground-based observations, lab studies and space missions.

* Note that there will also be more general sessions on magnetospheres, oceans and habitability, and icy satellites.