The sand seas of Titan: Cassini RADAR observations of longitudinal dunes.
Lorenz, R D ; Wall, S ; Radebaugh, J ; ...Flamini, Enrico ; et al.
May - 2006
ISSN : 1095-9203 ;
journal : Science (New York, N.Y.)

Issue : 5774
type: Article Journal

Abstract
The most recent Cassini RADAR images of Titan show widespread regions (up to 1500 kilometers by 200 kilometers) of near-parallel radar-dark linear features that appear to be seas of longitudinal dunes similar to those seen in the Namib desert on Earth. The Ku-band (2.17-centimeter wavelength) images show approximately 100-meter ridges consistent with duneforms and reveal flow interactions with underlying hills. The distribution and orientation of the dunes support a model of fluctuating surface winds of approximately 0.5 meter per second resulting from the combination of an eastward flow with a variable tidal wind. The existence of dunes also requires geological processes that create sand-sized (100- to 300-micrometer) particulates and a lack of persistent equatorial surface liquids to act as sand traps.

keywords : Extraterrestrial Environment,Geologic Sediments,Hydrocarbons,Hydrocarbons: chemistry,Methane,Methane: chemistry,Particle Size,Radar,Saturn,Spacecraft,Wind