Fluvial network analysis on Titan: Evidence for subsurface structures and west-to-east wind flow, southwestern Xanadu

Data of Titan's surface from the Cassini‐Huygens mission show inferred fluvial networks interpreted as products of liquid alkane flow. Using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data, we delineated drainage networks, measured network parameters, and used these measurements in a simplified algorithm f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical research letters 2009-11, Vol.36 (22), p.np-n/a
Main Authors: Burr, Devon M., Jacobsen, Robert E., Roth, Danica L., Phillips, Cynthia B., Mitchell, Karl L., Viola, Donna
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algorithms
Drainage control
Drainage patterns
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Fabrics
fluvial networks
Hydrology
Moons
Networks
Planetology
Planets
Saturn
Saturn satellites
Synthetic aperture radar
Tectonics
Titan
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Summary:Data of Titan's surface from the Cassini‐Huygens mission show inferred fluvial networks interpreted as products of liquid alkane flow. Using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data, we delineated drainage networks, measured network parameters, and used these measurements in a simplified algorithm for classifying terrestrial drainage patterns. The results show a variety of patterns, indicating that a variety of factors control fluvial drainage on Titan. Drainage network patterns in southwestern Xanadu are classified as rectangular, suggesting control by a subsurface tectonic structural fabric. Link orientations also suggest that this subsurface tectonic fabric is oriented predominantly east‐west. Spatial variations in drainage networks are consistent with a west‐to‐east precipitation pattern, supporting inferences from aeolian dune morphology. These results illustrate how fluvial landform analysis can yield new information on both atmospheric and subsurface processes.
ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007
DOI:10.1029/2009GL040909