Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Oct 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010dps....42.5501m&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #42, #55.01; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 42, p.1075
Mathematics
Logic
Scientific paper
Although not the pervasive agent of resurfacing in the Outer Solar System that it was once thought to be, cryovolcanism, the eruption of low-temperature fluids from the interior of icy worlds, appears to be an important phenomenon on several bodies. One of the icy worlds purported to be cryovolcanically active is Titan; its rich atmosphere contains non-primordial isotopic signatures and a methane abundance that cannot be sustained without active outgassing, and the presence of a subsurface ocean at depth provides a source for such materials.
The dominant paradigm on Titan for many years has been one of a cryovolcanically resurfaced world with a magmatic chemistry that is principally ammonia-water. Owing to this, and the uniquely (for an icy world) high atmospheric pressure which suppresses explosivity, effusive eruptions with complex rheologies are expected, possibly akin to terrestrial basaltic eruptions, feeding flows and possibly domes.
Cassini has observed several features proposed as cryovolcanic in origin on the basis of morphological consistency with expectations. However, an alternative paradigm of an endogenically-dead Titan has emerged recently, arguing for a crustal origin of atmosphere species, and suggesting that alternative exogenic (primarily erosional and fluvial) processes should be considered for most surface features.
We present a critical re-assessment of interpretations of cryovolcanic landforms in the context of this new paradigm, on the basis of additional imagery and new topographic data. Some, such as Ganesa Macula and Tortola Facula, are no longer considered potential cryovolcanoes, mostly because the more recently measured topography contradicts the morphological inferences used as a basis for interpretation. However, observations of ˜200 m thick lobate forms in two locations, Hotei and Sotra, strengthen earlier cryovolcanic interpretations.
Cassini RADAR Team
Kirk Randolph L.
Lopes Rosaly M. C.
Lorenz Ralph D.
Mitchell Karl L.
No associations
LandOfFree
Cryovolcanism on Titan: Latest Evidence from Cassini RADAR Imagery and Topography 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 Cryovolcanism on Titan: Latest Evidence from Cassini RADAR Imagery and Topography, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Cryovolcanism on Titan: Latest Evidence from Cassini RADAR Imagery and Topography will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1230091