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Evolution of Titan's rocky core constrained by Cassini observations
Author(s) -
CastilloRogez Julie C.,
Lunine Jonathan I.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2010gl044398
Subject(s) - titan (rocket family) , moment of inertia , astrobiology , geology , silicate , inner core , geophysics , physics , astronomy , quantum mechanics
We model the thermal evolution of Titan's core and search for solutions that are consistent with the mean moment of inertia yielded by the Cassini ‐ Huygens Mission. Like previous studies we assume that Titan's core is enriched in hydrated silicates. However, our modeling accounts for the possible dehydration of these minerals. The resulting models are consistent with Titan's moment of inertia if the inner dry silicate core remains smaller than ∼1300 km in radius. This constraint is met if at least 30% of potassium was leached from the silicate during the hydration event, i.e., the core is depleted in one of its major heat source. In this scenario, the core is currently undergoing dehydration.