Scientists at Brown University in Rhode Island believe tectonic movement could be taking place on Jupiter 's moon , Europa . "Thinking from the standpoint of comparative planetology, if we can now study plate tectonics in this very different place, it might be able to help us understand how plate tectonics got started on the Earth. Computer models suggest that differing salt levels , rather than temperature fluctuations , are behind the movement , prompting astrobiologists to question whether the – planetary plates moving beneath each other – could be capable of providing essential nutrients to any potential living organisms in the waters below the plates .
Scientists at Brown University in Rhode Island believe tectonic movement could be taking place on Jupiter 's moon , Europa . Computer models suggest that differing salt levels , rather than temperature fluctuations , are behind the movement , prompting astrobiologists to question whether the – planetary plates moving beneath each other – could be capable of providing essential nutrients to any potential living organisms in the waters below the plates .