Hydrocarbons and degassing processes of Saturn’s satellite Titan

Abstract

Research subject and methods. The paper presents a review of available information on the atmosphere of Titan and its surface, necessary for the development of concepts of hydrocarbon formation, including the natural hydrocarbon synthesis, formation of prebiogenic states and origin of life. The presence of vast reserves of abiogenic hydrocarbons on Titan is extremely important for the theory of hydrocarbon genesis on the Earth, since any concept of naphthogenesis claiming to be a consistent explanation of the entire set of available facts must take into account the possibility of abiogenic formation of large accumulations of hydrocarbons.Results. It was shown that the hydrocarbon diversity of the atmosphere and surface of Titan is provided by the inflow of endogenous methane. Degassing processes on Titan are characterized by specific forms due to their flow through a liquid medium: 1) “gas-lifting degassing” forming numerous small depressions with increased fluid levels and, possibly, being the cause of “magic islands” in the sea of Ligeia; 2) limnological emissions of gaseous methane, followed by intensive cloud formation, the development of methane storms and large amounts of precipitation.Conclusions. It is concluded that the presence of active degassing processes on Titan in combination with the emerging models of its internal structure contribute to clarifying the previously proposed scheme of primary natural hydrocarbon synthesis in the depths of Titan.