Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to ...and friction caused by tidal forces.

Mostly in the oceans...

Hi alcaray

Good reminder. Interestingly most of the heat is dissipated in the shallower parts of the oceans as friction between the tidal bulge and the seabed. "Body tides" - plastic deformation of the deep Earth - is believed to be, currently, only very minor. Such plastic deformation is obviously important on Io and Europa, and might be important on Titan, Triton, Enceladus and Pluto. It's much less efficient than Earth's "drum brakes" in the oceans, but then Earth is rather freakish.

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