Release of volatiles from a possible cryovolcano from near-infrared imaging of Titan
Nature
By: Christophe Sotin, R. Jaumann, B. J. Buratti, R. H. Brown, R. N. Clark, L. A. Soderblom, K. H. Baines, G. Bellucci, J.-P. Bibring, F. Capaccioni, P. Cerroni, M. Combes, A. Coradini, D. P. Cruikshank, P. Drossart, V. Formisano, Y. Langevin, D. L. Matson, T. B. McCord, R.M. Nelson, P. D. Nicholson, B. Sicardy, S. Lemouelic, S. Rodriguez, K. Stephan, and C.K. Scholz
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Abstract
Titan is the only satellite in our Solar System with a dense atmosphere. The surface pressure is 1.5 bar (ref. 1) and, similar to the Earth, N 2 is the main component of the atmosphere. Methane is the second most important component, but it is photodissociated on a timescale of 10 years (ref. 3). This short timescale has led to the suggestion that Titan may possess a surface or subsurface reservoir of hydrocarbons to replenish the atmosphere. Here we report near-infrared images of Titan obtained on 26 October 2004 by the Cassini spacecraft. The images show that a widespread methane ocean does not exist; subtle albedo variations instead suggest topographical variations, as would be expected for a more solid (perhaps icy) surface. We also find a circular structure ???30 km in diameter that does not resemble any features seen on other icy satellites. We propose that the structure is a dome formed by upwelling icy plumes that release methane into Titan's atmosphere.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Release of volatiles from a possible cryovolcano from near-infrared imaging of Titan |
| Series title | Nature |
| DOI | 10.1038/nature03596 |
| Volume | 435 |
| Issue | 7043 |
| Year Published | 2005 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Nature |
| First page | 786 |
| Last page | 789 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |