Radar Evidence for Liquid Surfaces on Titan

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 302; no. 5644; pp. 431 - 434
• Main Authors: Campbell, Donald B., Black, Gregory J., Carter, Lynn M., Ostro, Steven J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Association for the Advancement of Science 17.10.2003; The American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Subjects: Astronomical Phenomena; Astronomy; Atmosphere; Chemical composition; Chemical properties; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Extraterrestrial Environment; Hydrocarbons; Ice; Italian ices; Liquefied petroleum gas; Moons; Observation; Observations; Planetary, asteroid, and satellite characteristics and properties; Planets, their satellites and rings. Asteroids; Radar; Radar cross sections; Radar echoes; Radar tracking; Remote sensing; Saturn; Saturnian satellites; Solar system; Specular reflection; Telescopes; Titan (Satellite); Water; Wavelengths; United States; Specular reflection; Radar observation; Hydrocarbons; Surface properties; Saturn satellite; Liquid phase; Planetary surfaces; Titan; Radar echo
• ISSN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.1088969

Arecibo radar observations of Titan at 13-centimeter wavelength indicate that most of the echo power is in a diffusely scattered component but that a small specular component is present for about 75% of the subearth locations observed. These specular echoes have properties consistent with those expected for areas of liquid hydrocarbons. Knowledge of the areal extent and depth of any deposits of liquid hydrocarbons could strongly constrain the history of Titan's atmosphere and surface.