Comparison of Amalthea and Io |
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This comparison of Amalthea and Io, using images obtained by the Galileo spacecraft, demonstrate the different processes involved in shaping planetary satellites. The shape of Amalthea is controlled largely by impact cratering and fragmentation. In contrast, Io has gravity sufficient to form it into a slightly flattened sphere. Amalthea is covered by craters because there are no processes that erode or cover them efficiently. On extremely volcanically active Io, impact craters are covered quickly by lavas and other volcanic materials.
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