Subsurface Floating
What is the evidence for water beneath Titan’s surface?
I have heard a theory to explain the observations of the highly unusual rotation of Titan, that its crust floats on a layer of water. I am quite happy to consider that its crust may float on a layer of liquid, but what evidence is there for water?
Given that many lakes have been observed, none of which appear to contain water, it does not seem too much of a push for the same liquid to constitute a subsurface layer over the entire body. I see no reason to claim water and am entirely unaware of supporting evidence.
Please, if you can provide evidence for water, do! Links appreciated.
You seem to be the kind of person who wants quite a lot of technical detail, so brace yourself…
First evidence is from an enigmatic radio signal detected by the European Space Agency Hygens probe.
This signal could be the result of natural amplification of radio signals created during thunderstorms if there is a reflective layer somewhere in Titan. A liquid ocean of water or water-ammonia under the surface would create such an effect.
Details here:
http://space.newscientist.com/channel/solar-system/cassini-huygens/dn12041-mysterious-signal-hints-at-subsurface-ocean-on-titan.html
evidence of a subsurface ocean is that the surface of Titan seems to be sliding on something. The moon is not rotatins as a whole solid bodie.
Details here:
http://space.newscientist.com/article/dn13516-titans-changing-spin-hints-at-hidden-ocean.html
The low density of Titan indicates the moon’s bulk it is not entirely made up of rock, so lower density materials such as water or ammonia are needed to obtain the observed density.
Other Jupiter and Saturn moons have smilar structures with ice makng up an important part of the moon’s bulk. Water oceans are known to exist for some of the satelites (Europa being the best known example). These oceans exist because tidal forces constantly strech and compress these moons, heating them up and keeping the water liquid.
Hydorcarbons on Titan’s surface are the result of photochemical and other reactions induced by particle bombardment. The methane initially present would have transformed into heavier molecules containing chains (and possibly rings) of carbon atoms. A bit like a mix of oil and natural gas.
Most of Titan’s surface is still ice. Probably mostly ice with a few rocks. Although at those temperatures, ice is essentially a rock.
Carbon (and possibly carbonates, since there seems to be liquid water) will make up part of the bulk of Titan, but water and ammonia will be the main constituents.
Moreover, since the reactions that form the complex hydrocarbons require the presence of light or ionizing radiation, it is unlilky these will be found in considerable amounts in Titan’s underground.
A whole subsurface ocean of the stuff seems very unlikely compared with a water ocean.
I am sure there will be more interesting stuff on this on the Cassini webpage.
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