[PAOCQ] Juan M. Lora (Yale University)

“Insights into Titan’s coupled climate system and methane cycle”

Titan, Saturn’s large moon, has a massive nitrogen atmosphere that hosts a vigorous methane cycle through which we can probe various aspects of the climate of this uniquely Earth-like world. Recent work has revealed the importance of the distribution of surface liquid on the character of Titan’s methane-based hydroclimate, and piecemeal observations of surface and atmospheric phenomena offer glimpses into the behavior of this coupled system. I will discuss some facets of Titan’s surface–atmosphere interactions, methane storms, and overall atmospheric circulation as gleaned from climate modeling and comparisons to such observations, as well as some prospects for future exploration.

Contact: paoc-colloquium-comm@mit.edu