Submitted by AutoModerator t3_11f5wzd in askscience
lukemia94 t1_jaiq9rg wrote
On Titan, we observe rivers/ lakes of liquid methane. Are there any theories as to exactly how it interacts with the solid ice & what unique erosional features may form?
themeaningofhaste t1_jam76jp wrote
Very complicatedly, I would say. Given the temperature and atmospheric pressure on Titan, both methane and ethane are at the triple point, and so goes between solid, liquid, and gas easily. This leads to a pretty complex chemical system and a cycle analogous to the hydrological cycle ("methane-ologic cycle"), the only other place in the Solar System. One of the famous features are that are seen to pop in and out of existence in the seas are the "Magic Islands", of which waves or bubbles might explain the transient nature.
lukemia94 t1_jamreiq wrote
Wow that was fascinating, and exactly the type of phenomenon I would like to learn more about, thank you!
themeaningofhaste t1_jap8ifw wrote
You're welcome, glad I could help!
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