Skip to main content

Liquids and solids on the surface of Titan: Results of a new photochemical model

Lara, L.M., Lorenz, Ralph D., Rodrigo, R. (1994) Liquids and solids on the surface of Titan: Results of a new photochemical model. Planetary and Space Science, 42 (1). pp. 5-14. ISSN 0032-0633. (doi:10.1016/0032-0633(94)90135-X) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:19835)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0032-0633(94)90135-X

Abstract

Recent radar, microwave and infrared observations of Titan suggest that a significant fraction of the surface may be covered by ice, in conflict with previous photochemical models which suggested a global ocean, 700 m deep, of ethane. We present here results of a new photochemical model, including updated reaction coefficients, and improved treatments of transport and condensation processes, which predict a lower ethane production (<285 m equivalent). We additionally consider the likely existence of a deep porous icy regolith on Titan's surface, which could ''hide'' the liquid hydrocarbons from observation, while permitting communication with the atmosphere to maintain the observed methane abundance against photolysis. This ''shallow, buried ocean'' model is compatible with current observational constraints on Titan's surface.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/0032-0633(94)90135-X
Additional information: Correspondence to: L.M. Lara. * Present address: DESPA, Observatoire de Paris-Meudon, 92195 Meudon, France.
Subjects: Q Science > QB Astronomy
Q Science > QC Physics
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Physics and Astronomy
Depositing User: O.O. Odanye
Date Deposited: 12 Jul 2009 19:50 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:58 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/19835 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.