Computer Science
Scientific paper
Oct 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011epsc.conf...20t&link_type=abstract
EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2011, held 2-7 October 2011 in Nantes, France. http://meetings.copernicus.org/epsc-dps2011, p.20
Computer Science
Scientific paper
Titan's obliquity of 26.7 causes large seasonal variations in solar illumination during its 29.5 year orbit around the sun. This leads to dramatic atmospheric changes - including changing circulation patterns, which can be indirectly observed using minor gases as tracers. We use a seven year dataset (2004- 2011) of mid-infrared spectra measured by Cassini's Composite InfraRed Spectrometer (CIRS) to document such seasonal variations. During this time period the season has progressed from northern winter to northern spring, passing through equinox in mid-2009. Data taken before the equinox show an intense stratospheric polar vortex highly enriched in trace gases, and a single south-to-north circulation cell. Following northern spring equinox, dramatic changes in atmospheric temperature and composition were expected. Our analysis of the equinox and post-equinox periods shows that abundances of trace gases at the north pole have now begun to increase. We propose that increases in north polar trace gases are due to a seasonal reduction in gas depletion by horizontal mixing across the vortex boundary. A simultaneous slight gradual increase in south polar HCN suggests a weakening of the overall circulation, which is consistent with this idea. This indicates that Titan may soon enter its transitional circulation regime.
de Kok Remco
Irwin Patrick G. J.
Nixon Conor A.
Teanby Nicholas A.
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