Volume Scattering Analysis of Titan’s lakes and seas via Cassini RADAR Altimetric Observations

Abstract

This paper presents a study to assess the characteristics of particles or bubbles possibly present on Titan’s lakes and seas using Cassini RADAR observations when operating in altimetry/sounder mode. We developed an analytical model for the Surface-to-Volume power Ratio (SVR) which includes the principles of radiative equilibrium and Mie scattering theory. The model considers the effects due to extinction phenomena and can be used to extract valuable information on the presence of dust particles or bubbles in Titan’s liquid bodies. The absence of volume scattering in the altimetric waveforms is used to constrain the maximum density at various radii of the possible presence of nitrogen bubbles or solid particles, such as water ice, nitriles, and tholins.