GCM simulation of balloon trajectories on Titan |
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Authors: | Tetsuya Tokano Ralph D Lorenz |
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Institution: | a Institut für Geophysik und Meteorologie, Universität zu Köln, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923 Köln, Germany b Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, 1629 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85721-0092, USA |
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Abstract: | Possible trajectories of passive balloons in Titan's troposphere are simulated with the instantaneous wind field predicted by a GCM (general circulation model). In most areas the basic motion of a balloon is a predominantly eastward or westward drift, depending on altitude, latitude and season of the balloon release point. Some meridional oscillation is always superposed on this basic motion, resulting in a wavy trajectory, with a maximum extent (of 40°) at high latitudes of the winter hemisphere. As a general rule, the meridional oscillation can be maximised if a balloon is deployed in altitudes and latitudes where the mean zonal wind is eastward and smaller than the phase speed of Saturn's gravitational tide on Titan. A balloon's groundtrack does not repeat as it makes successive circuits around Titan, but rather makes a spiral or braided pattern. The summer pole is rather difficult to access for a balloon not directly introduced there because of small meridional oscillation, while the winter pole can be readily accessed and left several times. A preferred zonal drift direction can be achieved by choosing a proper altitude and hemisphere, but choosing a preferred meridional direction is not possible. |
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Keywords: | Titan Atmosphere Meteorology Trajectory |
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