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Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Tracking Infiltration Front Depth Using Time-lapse Multi-offset Gathers Collected with Array Antenna Ground Penetrating Radar
Published on: May 1, 2018
Radar reflectivity of titan
Radar observations suggest Titan
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Astronomy
- Geophysics
Background:
- Titan's surface conditions and atmospheric composition suggest liquid hydrocarbons.
- Thermodynamic models predict a surface ethane-methane mixture.
- Liquid hydrocarbons would exhibit unique microwave reflection properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of liquid hydrocarbons on Titan's surface.
- To test the hypothesis of a global ethane-methane ocean.
- To characterize Titan's surface reflectivity using radar.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 70-meter antenna in California as a transmitter.
- Employed the Very Large Array in New Mexico as a receiving instrument.
- Conducted radar reflection measurements at a 3.5 cm wavelength.
Main Results:
- Obtained statistically significant radar echoes from Titan.
- Measured high radar cross sections, inconsistent with a global liquid ethane ocean.
- Results indicate Titan's surface is not covered by a deep ethane ocean.
Conclusions:
- Titan's surface does not possess a deep global ocean of liquid ethane.
- The observed radar reflectivity is inconsistent with predictions for a liquid hydrocarbon ocean.
- Further investigation is needed to understand Titan's surface composition and features.
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