Objectif A set of liquid hydrocarbon lakes and lake basins has been discovered in Titan's high latitudes. The lakes exhibit a dramatic hemispheric asymmetry; significant area fractions of the northern high latitudes are covered by lakes, while the same southern latitudes are largely devoid of such features. We consider the hypothesis and its consequences that in addition to known seasonal changes, the observed difference in lake distribution may be caused by an asymmetry in the seasons owing to the orbit. Due to Saturn's eccentricity, the instantaneous solar insolation received at Titan is asymmetric. The asymmetry drives a hemispheric difference in evaporation minus precipitation, and hence, in the accumulation of lakes on Titan's northern and southern surfaces. The effect is modulated by, and reverses with, dynamical variations in the orbit. In this picture, much like in Earth's climate and glacial cycles, the resulting vigorous hydrologic cycle has a period of tens of thousands of years. We seek to answer the following fundamental questions:1. To what extent do Titan's varying orbital parameters control the long-term volatile transport and surface reservoirs?2. How do Titan's lakes and seas respond to seasonal forcing?3. What is the relative role of subsurface transport of methane and ethane?4. What constraints and general properties may be derived in order to better understand Titan's overall climatologic and hydrologic evolution? Champ scientifique natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyplanetary sciencesnatural satellites Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Appel à propositions FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinateur WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE Contribution de l’UE € 100 000,00 Adresse HERZL STREET 234 7610001 Rehovot Israël Voir sur la carte Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Gabi Bernstein (Ms.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée
