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Cassini Radar Views the Surface of Titan

2005; American Association for the Advancement of Science; Volume: 308; Issue: 5724 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1126/science.1109919

1095-9203

C. Elachi, S. Wall, Michael Allison, Y. Anderson, R. Boehmer, Philip S. Callahan, P. Encrenaz, E. Flamini, G. Franceschetti, Y. Gim, G. Hamilton, S. Hensley, Michael A. Janssen, Wesley L. Johnson, K. Kelleher, R. L. Kirk, R. M. C. Lopes, R. D. Lorenz, J. I. Lunine, D. O. Muhleman, S. Ostro, F. Paganelli, G. Picardi, F. Posa, L. E. Roth, R. Seu, S. Shaffer, L. Soderblom, B. Stiles, E. R. Stofan, S. Vetrella, Richard West, C. A. Wood, L. Wye, H. A. Zebker,

Geology and Paleoclimatology Research

The Cassini Titan Radar Mapper imaged about 1% of Titan's surface at a resolution of approximately 0.5 kilometer, and larger areas of the globe in lower resolution modes. The images reveal a complex surface, with areas of low relief and a variety of geologic features suggestive of dome-like volcanic constructs, flows, and sinuous channels. The surface appears to be young, with few impact craters. Scattering and dielectric properties are consistent with porous ice or organics. Dark patches in the radar images show high brightness temperatures and high emissivity and are consistent with frozen hydrocarbons.