A stochastic basis to the spatially uniform distribution of randomly generated Ionian paterae

Due to its tidally heated interior, Io is a geologically very active satellite that bears many volcanic features. It is observed that the mean nearest neighbor distance of each volcanic feature, called a patera, is larger than that of a random distribution, which implies that the spatial distribution of paterae is uniform rather than random. However, it is uncertain how the paterae are organized into a uniform distribution. We suggest the mechanism of Io's uniformly distributed paterae considering localized obliteration of old features. Instead of geological modeling, we performed stochastic simulations and statistical analyses for the obliteration of quiescent paterae. Monte Carlo calculations with Gaussian obliteration probability show that if the width of obliteration probability is approximately 80 km and the volcanic generation rate is ∼5.0 × 10−6 km−2 Ma−1, uniform distribution and the observed number density of paterae are attained at the 2σ level on a time scale of approximately 6 Myr. With this generation rate and width of the obliteration probability, the averaged distance of one patera to the nearest patera (mean nearest neighbor distance) is approximately 200 km, which is consistent with the observed value. The uniformity of the distribution is maintained once it is achieved. On regional scales, Io's paterae would naturally evolve from random into uniform distributions by the obliteration of old and quiescent features. Key Points Uniform distribution of Ionian patera is produced by obliteration Obliteration can be maintained once it is achieved Io's paterae may be obliterated and organized into uniform distribution