Distribution And Interplay Of Geologic Processes On Titan: Analysis Using Cassini Data

Details Distribution And Interplay Of Geologic Processes On Titan: Analysis Using Cassini Data Distribution And Interplay Of Geologic Processes On Titan: Analysis Using Cassini Data

Oct 2007

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007dps....39.4401l&link_type=abstract

American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #39, #44.01; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 39, p.499

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Scientific paper

The major planetary geologic processes - volcanism, tectonism, impact cratering and erosion - have played a role in shaping Titan's complex surface. We use data obtained by Cassini's Titan Radar Mapper, in its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mode, to analyze the distribution of geologic processes on Titan, both endogenic and exogenic, and to derive temporal relationships between these processes, at least at local scales. We compare SAR data with those from the Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) and the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) to look for correlations that can extend our knowledge of both spatial distribution and temporal relationships. Although stratigraphic relationships are hard to establish from the available data, they are sufficiently clear in some places that a picture of Titan's geologic evolution is emerging. Erosional/depositional processes, both from fluvial and aeolian activity, play a major role modifying Titan's surface. Fluvial features are widespread in both latitude and longitude and are seen at many different scales. Lacustrine features are widespread at high northern latitudes and there are suggestions of similar features at high southern latitudes as well. Fluvial erosion may be the dominant modification process at high latitudes, while erosion and burial as a result of aeolian activity may dominate the lower latitudes. In at least one location near the equator, dunes overlay fluvial deposits. Cryovolcanic features are not widespread but show no preference for latitude or longitude given the current data. Tectonic features (mountains and ridges) appear more common at low latitudes and may be compressional in origin, though other features that may be fractures might indicate extension. The impact record on Titan seems to have been mostly obliterated by other processes. The distribution and interplay of geologic processes is important to provide constraints on models of the interior and of surface-atmosphere interactions.

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