Exploring Titan's dynamic atmosphere using spacecraft remote sensing observations from Cassini and James Webb Space Telescope

This project will study dynamical and chemical processes in Titan stratosphere and mesosphere. In particular, extreme planetary-scale winds (jets) and mixing processes between polar and mid-latitude air masses. These processes control much of the large-scale seasonal changes occurring on Titan and are fundamental to understanding its climate. Atmospheric features will be studied using infra-red spectroscopic observations from orbiting spacecraft (Cassini), space telescopes (James Webb), and ground-based observatories (ALMA). There will also be opportunities to propose additional new telescope observations during the PhD. Spectra will be analysed using radiative transfer methods and inverse theory techniques to recover atmospheric properties that best fit observations and existing constraints. The derived physical and chemical atmospheric state can then be used to develop interpretations of atmospheric circulation, photochemistry, and seasonal evolution. Minor organic chemical species are particularly interesting as they act as tracers of atmospheric circulation and can be used to probe winds and air mixing. There will be opportunities for the student to guide the project direction, in particular during data analysis and interpretation or in proposing new observations.
Spacecraft data analysis will comprise the bulk of the project, led by the main supervisor (Dr Teanby). To help interpret observed atmospheric features, results will be compared to theoretical predictions and numerical planetary climate models adapted from studies of the Earth's atmosphere, which are currently under development by members of the supervisory team (Dr Seviour and Dr Mitchell). These observation-theory-model comparisons will allow more complete understanding of Titan's atmosphere and will potentially feed back into our understanding of fundamental climate physics. Results will also inform the next generation of space missions such at the Dragonfly nuclear-powered drone mission to Titan.