Diverse evolution of mountains and hummocks on Titan as observed by the Cassini RADAR altimeter

• DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2021.114775
• Publication Date: 2021-11-17T07:57:06Z
• Authors: D.E. Lalich; V. Poggiali; A.G. Hayes; M. Mastrogiuseppe; M.J. Malaska; L.R. Schurmeier
• Keywords: Elevation (ballistics)

Abstract Mountain formation and evolution on Titan is poorly understood, due in part to a lack of high-resolution topographic data. By applying advanced processing techniques, we are able to increase the along-track spatial resolution of the Cassini RADAR altimeter by up to a factor of ten, enabling more detailed analysis. A survey of mountainous and hummocky terrain reveals a unique, characteristic waveform shape. By modeling reflections from different landscapes, we are able to show that these waveforms contain sub-resolution topographical information. We found that mountain elevation on Titan varies greatly over short distances, and evidence suggests that many mountain ranges on Titan have been eroded down to the plains level even within a single high-resolution radar footprint.