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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

Titan, linear dune formation, wind patterns

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Geological Sciences

Abstract

Synthetic Aperture Radar images of Titan collected by the Cassini spacecraft show that dunes are abundant on Titan’s surface, covering almost 20% of Titan’s surface [1,2]. Nearly all of the dunes found on Titan are linear in form, are found near the equator (±30°), and have a west-east orientation. Since there is likely active linear dune formation presently on Titan [3], we can use Titan as a laboratory to study atmospheric conditions and dune processes of a younger Earth. Titan not only has active winds and a supply of dune-forming organic sediments, but where dunes form there are no large bodies of liquids, vegetation, or large topographic obstructions to disrupt global wind patterns or dune formation [1,2]. There are multiple variables that control linear dune formation, both on Earth and on Titan, including sediment supply, wind regime, basin location and dune stabilization by moisture. We present the results of a detailed morphological study of select dune fields on Titan, undertaken in order to explore possible linear dune controls on Titan and on Earth.

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