Preliminary thermal history models of icy satellites.

the degree of Master of Science. Time-dependent thermal histories for the icy satellites are presented. A number of starting hypotheses are used and compared, including homogeneous and inhomogeneous accretion, and variations in the amount and density of rocky material present. Phase changes in high pressure forms of water ice, and the solution chemistry of water and ammonia are considered. Application of the various models to data observed of actual icy satellites is presented. The computer programs used to model these objects are explained in Appendix A. Appendix B presents further speculation on the nature of icy satellites, and suggests areas of further research.