Insights into Titan’s circulation and hydrologic cycle from model–data comparisons

Saturn’s moon Titan hosts a massive nitrogen atmosphere with a vigorous circulation, and sustains an exotic but recognizable hydrologic cycle in which methane is the primary condensible. With the goal of understanding essential observed features of Titan’s climate system, I will discuss the Titan Atmospheric Model, the general circulation model that most accurately simulates the middle and lower atmosphere. I will demonstrate how I use data-model comparisons to gain fundamental insights into Titan’s seasonal circulation, distinct climate zones, and global hydrologic cycle. Finally, I will discuss ongoing work investigating other planetary atmospheres, including applying our growing knowledge of Titan and versatile climate modeling to addressing exoplanetary regimes.

[No refreshments served at this noontime talk.]