A global topographic map of Titan

Abstract

Cassini RADAR SARtopo and altimetry data are used to construct a global gridded 1. ×. 1° elevation map, for use in Global Circulation Models, hydrological models and correlative studies. The data are sparse, and so most of the map domain (~90%) is populated with interpolated values using a spline algorithm. The highest (~+520. m) gridded point observed is at 48°S, 12°W. The lowest point observed (~1700. m below a 2575. km sphere) is at 59°S, 317°W: this may be a basin where liquids presently in the north could have resided in the past. If the deepest point were once a sea with the areal extent of present-day Ligeia Mare, it would be ~1000. m deep. We find four prominent topographic rises, each ~200. km wide, radar-bright and heavily dissected, distributed over a ~3000. km. arc in the southeastern quadrant of Titan (~40-60°S, 15-150°W). © 2013 Elsevier Inc.