Shell tectonics: A mechanical model for strike-slip displacement on Europa

► We have developed a new mechanical model for strike-slip displacement along Europan faults. ► Shell tectonics is a linear elastic model that includes Coulomb failure and stress accumulation, release, and relaxation. ► Shell tectonics reproduces trends in the observed fault population better than previous models. ► Our work indicates an obliquity of ∼1° and supports slow non-synchronous rotation.