Past exam of the short options paper shared by Prelims and Parts A and B of the physics course of the University of Oxford / 2016 / S29 / 1 / 5 / Solution

Io's volcanic structures and young resurfaced regions indicate strong ongoing geological activity, despite a low sunlight-set equilibrium temperature. Tidal dissipation forced by its orbital interactions supplies interior energy. Europa's fractured relatively lightly cratered ice indicates resurfacing and a mechanically active ice shell on geological timescales, with tidal heating a plausible contributor; surface appearance alone does not prove every fracture is currently opening. Ganymede has both older cratered regions and grooved younger terrain, indicating a more varied resurfacing history; primordial/radiogenic heat and past tides can matter. Callisto's heavily cratered surface suggests much less extensive recent resurfacing, without proving that all interior activity or subsurface liquid is absent.

The comparison is between surface ages and possible energy sources, not simply “warmer means active.” Surface irradiation is too cold to explain silicate volcanism, while internal heat, tidal work and material-dependent melting temperatures can sustain processes below a cold surface. The NASA images in the source are evidence to interpret; no exam illustration is reproduced.