LSU professor finds alternate explanation for dune formation on Saturn's largest moon

The paper, “Multiple origins of linear dunes on Earth and Titan,” examines a possible new mechanism for the development of very large linear dunes formed on the surface of Titan, Saturn's largest moon.

The authors examined the linear – or longitudinal – dunes that stretch across the surface of China's Qaidam Basin, finding them composed of sand and some salt and silt. The latter two elements make the dunes cohesive or sticky.

According to the study, this leads to a complete change in dune form from transverse dunes to linear dunes, even though the wind speed and direction does not change. Typically transverse dunes are formed by winds from a narrow directional range while longitudinal or linear dunes are formed by winds from two obliquely opposing directions. These findings offer an alternative interpretation of similar dunes found on Titan.

Hesp and Rubin suggest that if the giant linear dunes found on the surface of Titan are also formed from cohesive sediment, then they too could be formed by single-direction winds. This is in sharp contrast to earlier studies, which assumed that the sediments were loose and interpreted the dune shape as evidence of winds coming from alternating directions. The alternative hypothesis that Titan's linear dunes are formed in cohesive sediment has significant implications for studies on Titan; if the Hesp and Rubin alternative is correct, new hypotheses regarding the composition, origin, evolution, grain size, stickiness, quantity, global transport patterns and suitability for wind transport of Titan's sediment; the velocities, directions and seasonal patterns of Titan's winds; and overall surface wetness will all have to be completely reassessed.

For more information, contact Patrick Hesp at 225-205-6317 or pahesp@lsu.edu.
More news and information can be found on LSU's home page at www.lsu.edu

Media Contact

Ashley Berthelot EurekAlert!

More Information:

http://www.lsu.edu

All latest news from the category: Earth Sciences

Earth Sciences (also referred to as Geosciences), which deals with basic issues surrounding our planet, plays a vital role in the area of energy and raw materials supply.

Earth Sciences comprises subjects such as geology, geography, geological informatics, paleontology, mineralogy, petrography, crystallography, geophysics, geodesy, glaciology, cartography, photogrammetry, meteorology and seismology, early-warning systems, earthquake research and polar research.

Back to home

Comments (0)

Write a comment

Newest articles

Lighting up the future

New multidisciplinary research from the University of St Andrews could lead to more efficient televisions, computer screens and lighting. Researchers at the Organic Semiconductor Centre in the School of Physics and…

Researchers crack sugarcane’s complex genetic code

Sweet success: Scientists created a highly accurate reference genome for one of the most important modern crops and found a rare example of how genes confer disease resistance in plants….

Evolution of the most powerful ocean current on Earth

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current plays an important part in global overturning circulation, the exchange of heat and CO2 between the ocean and atmosphere, and the stability of Antarctica’s ice sheets….

Partners & Sponsors