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Analysis of Channel Networks and the Potential for Sediment Transport in the Vicinity of the North Polar Seas of Titan

Cartwright, Richard
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Abstract

This study analyzes the available radar evidence in order to describe the morphology of channel networks around the north polar seas of Titan. Critical flow depths necessary to entrain water-ice grains, and denudation rates for a north polar channel network are discussed. The results indicate that channel networks on Titan have similar morphologies to channel networks cut by water on Earth. We also find that water-ice sediment should be readily entrained in the headwaters and downstream sections of the analyzed Titanian basin, given sufficient flow depths of liquid hydrocarbons. Also, the importance of slope and the elevated topography of the highlands surrounding the polar lakes are considered, as well as potential formation theories for the elevated highlands and low-lying maria that dominate the north polar region.

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Date
7/17/2009
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Keywords
Convective storms, Atmospheric haze, Uplifted highlands, Polar maria, Water-ice grains, Fluctuating methane table, Geomorphology, Cassini-Huygens mission, Synthetic aperture radar, Sediment transport, Titan, Liquid hydrocarbons, Dendritic networks
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