Evidence for these effects are revealed by the morphology of the features on the surface and provide indirect evidence for a sub-surface global ocean. Vast linear features, constituting tectonic terrain, cover much of Europa's surface. Lineament patterns have been correlated with tidal stress models requiring significant tidal amplitude which may only be explained by the presence of an ocean. Strike-slip motion appears to be driven by diurnal tides acting on an 85 hour period, which indicates that cracks penetrate to a liquid layer. Ridge morphology suggests that tectonic terrain is formed by a process associated with tidal pumping of liquid water and slush near the surface.
Widespread bands represent regions of lithospheric extension with infill from below of new material.
Chaotic and tectonic terrain appear to compete against one another as they resurfaced Europa throughout its geologic history. Europa's geology suggests that there has been close interaction between the surface and a global ocean. If so, there may be environmental niches both in the ocean and the crust which may be hospitable to life.