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Cryovolcanism on Titan: New results from Cassini RADAR and VIMS
Author(s) -
Lopes R. M. C.,
Kirk R. L.,
Mitchell K. L.,
LeGall A.,
Barnes J. W.,
Hayes A.,
Kargel J.,
Wye L.,
Radebaugh J.,
Stofan E. R.,
Janssen M. A.,
Neish C. D.,
Wall S. D.,
Wood C. A.,
Lunine J. I.,
Malaska M. J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: planets
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-9100
pISSN - 2169-9097
DOI - 10.1002/jgre.20062
Subject(s) - titan (rocket family) , geology , radar , impact crater , remote sensing , synthetic aperture radar , astrobiology , physics , computer science , telecommunications
The existence of cryovolcanic features on Titan has been the subject of some controversy. Here we use observations from the Cassini RADAR, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging, radiometry, and topographic data as well as compositional data from the Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) to reexamine several putative cryovolcanic features on Titan in terms of likely processes of origin (fluvial, cryovolcanic, or other). We present evidence to support the cryovolcanic origin of features in the region formerly known as Sotra Facula, which includes the deepest pit so far found on Titan (now known as Sotra Patera), flow‐like features (Mohini Fluctus), and some of the highest mountains on Titan (Doom and Erebor Montes). We interpret this region to be a cryovolcanic complex of multiple cones, craters, and flows. However, we find that some other previously supposed cryovolcanic features were likely formed by other processes. Cryovolcanism is still a possible formation mechanism for several features, including the flow‐like units in Hotei Regio. We discuss implications for eruption style and composition of cryovolcanism on Titan. Our analysis shows the great value of combining data sets when interpreting Titan's geology and in particular stresses the value of RADAR stereogrammetry when combined with SAR imaging and VIMS.