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Methane drizzle on Titan
Tetsuya Tokano1, Christopher P McKay, Fritz M Neubauer
1Institut für Geophysik und Meteorologie, Universität zu Köln, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923 Köln, Germany. tokano@geo.uni-koeln.de
Nature
|July 28, 2006
Summary
Titan
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Atmospheric Science
- Astrobiology
Background:
- Titan exhibits fluvial features, suggesting a methane-based hydrological cycle.
- Previous research focused on sporadic cloud events, leaving the nature of persistent clouds and precipitation unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of non-convective clouds on Titan.
- To determine if these clouds produce precipitation and their role in Titan's methane cycle.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of in situ data on methane concentration and temperature profiles in Titan's troposphere.
Main Results:
- Evidence found for layered, optically thin stratiform clouds in Titan's atmosphere.
- Identified an upper methane ice cloud and a lower liquid methane-nitrogen cloud.
- The lower cloud layer produces drizzle that reaches Titan's surface.
Conclusions:
- Quasi-permanent, non-convective clouds are supported by global atmospheric circulation.
- Methane precipitation occurs globally where upward motion is present.
- This persistent drizzle significantly influences Titan's surface geology through widespread wetting.
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