Liquid‐filled canyons on Titan. Issue 15 (9th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Poggiali, V.; Mastrogiuseppe, M.; Hayes, A. G.; Seu, R.; Birch, S. P. D.; Lorenz, R.; Grima, C.; Hofgartner, J. D.
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 43:Issue 15(2016)
• Page Start: 7887
• Page End: 7894
• Publication Date: 2016-08-09
• Subjects: spaceborne radar -- altimetry -- Titan -- geophysical measurement techniques -- planetary science -- hydrology; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2016GL069679
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

Abstract: In May 2013 the Cassini RADAR altimeter observed channels in Vid Flumina, a drainage network connected to Titan's second largest hydrocarbon sea, Ligeia Mare. Analysis of these altimeter echoes shows that the channels are located in deep (up to ~570 m), steep‐sided, canyons and have strong specular surface reflections that indicate they are currently liquid filled. Elevations of the liquid in these channels are at the same level as Ligeia Mare to within a vertical precision of about 0.7 m, consistent with the interpretation of drowned river valleys. Specular reflections are also observed in lower order tributaries elevated above the level of Ligeia Mare, consistent with drainage feeding into the main channel system. Key Points: First direct evidence of the presence of liquid channels on Titan First observation of hundred meter deep canyons on Titan Vid Flumina canyons are drowned by the sea, but few isolated observations show the presence of surface liquids standing at higher elevations