An asymmetric distribution of lakes on Titan as a possible consequence of orbital forcing

Details An asymmetric distribution of lakes on Titan as a possible consequence of orbital forcing An asymmetric distribution of lakes on Titan as a possible consequence of orbital forcing

Dec 2009

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009natge...2..851a&link_type=abstract

Nature Geoscience, Volume 2, Issue 12, pp. 851-854 (2009).

Mathematics

Logic

26

Scientific paper

A set of lakes filled or partially filled with liquid hydrocarbon and empty lake basins have been discovered in the high latitudes of Saturn's moon Titan. These features were mapped by the radar instrument on the Cassini orbiter. Here we quantify the distribution of the lakes and basins, and show a pronounced hemispheric asymmetry in their occurrence. Whereas significant fractions of the northern high latitudes are covered by filled and empty lakes, the same latitudes in the southern hemisphere are largely devoid of such features. We propose that in addition to known seasonal changes, the observed difference in lake distribution may be caused by an asymmetry in the seasons on Titan that results from the eccentricity of Saturn's orbit around the Sun. We suggest that the consequent hemispheric difference in the balance between evaporation and precipitation could lead to an accumulation of lakes in one of Titan's hemispheres. This effect would be modulated by, and reverse with, dynamical variations in the orbit. We propose that much like in the Earth's glacial cycles, the resulting vigorous hydrologic cycle has a period of tens of thousands of years and leads to active geologic surface modification in the polar latitudes.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

An asymmetric distribution of lakes on Titan as a possible consequence of orbital forcing does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with An asymmetric distribution of lakes on Titan as a possible consequence of orbital forcing, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and An asymmetric distribution of lakes on Titan as a possible consequence of orbital forcing will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1704145