GOES-West image of the explosive eruption of the Hunga Tonga volcano in 2022. The explosion atmospheric pressure waves that traveled around the world. Read more here.
Timothy Neal Titus, Ph.D.
Timothy Titus is a Research Space Scientist at the Astrogeology Science Center.
Tim studies Mars Polar Processes, focusing on the CO2 cycle and polar energy balance, as well as Mars thermal inertia investigations using 2-layer thermal inertia models to detect subsurface ice. He also studies Mars dunes, and cave detection on Earth, the Moon and Mars using thermal infrared remote sensing. Tim is currently using ALMA data to study the surface properties of asteroids.
Tim also studies Planetary Defense, where he brings to bear his experience as former Director of Logistics for Emergency Response for the Arizona National Guard. He is exploring the use of preexisting hazard models to explore possible regional and cascading effects from future asteroid impact events.
Science and Products
Planetary Defense
At the USGS Astrogeology Science Center we conduct research on Planetary Defense. Planetary Defense involves predicting potential impactors (asteroids, comets), and studying how to deflect or divert them, as well as the potential effects of an impact. Effects include short-term effects such as blast damage, but also long-term effects such as climate and social impacts.
Surface - Atmosphere interaction
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on the interaction between planetary surfaces and the overlying atmospheres. In particular, the transfer of momentum (from wind), vapor (evaporation/sublimation), liquid (rainfall, percolation, infiltration) and solids (snow) occurs between surfaces and atmospheres.
Planetary Volatiles: Snow and Ice
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on planetary volatiles. Volatiles include substances that have a high vapor pressure relative to the ambient atmosphere. We study the longevity, locations and other characteristics of volatiles. More specifically: H2O ice, snow and frost are volatiles on the Earth. We study the persistence of perennial snowfields in Colorado and Mongolia. Mars...
Caves
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on caves. In particular, we are interested in the physics of caves, which involves the application of the principles of heat transfer, mass transfer and meteorology to understand how cave climates evolve. We are also interested in caves on other planetary bodies and moons, and how they may be used as resources for future missions.
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) recently established the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program. This service-oriented program is built around the recognition that the Earth is a fundamental training ground for human and robotic planetary exploration, and that ASC is in a unique position in northern Arizona with...
Hunga Tonga Volcano Ash Plume
GOES-West image of the explosive eruption of the Hunga Tonga volcano in 2022. The explosion atmospheric pressure waves that traveled around the world. Read more here.
Asteroid Impact Modeling Working Group Hikes into Meteor Crater
This photograph shows members of the Asteroid Impact Modeling Working Group workshop participants descending into Meteor Crater in northern Arizona. Meteor Crater is the best-preserved asteroid impact crater on Earth. It has been used to study the effects of impact, and as a site to train astronauts.
This photograph shows members of the Asteroid Impact Modeling Working Group workshop participants descending into Meteor Crater in northern Arizona. Meteor Crater is the best-preserved asteroid impact crater on Earth. It has been used to study the effects of impact, and as a site to train astronauts.
Science and Products
Planetary Defense
At the USGS Astrogeology Science Center we conduct research on Planetary Defense. Planetary Defense involves predicting potential impactors (asteroids, comets), and studying how to deflect or divert them, as well as the potential effects of an impact. Effects include short-term effects such as blast damage, but also long-term effects such as climate and social impacts.
Surface - Atmosphere interaction
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on the interaction between planetary surfaces and the overlying atmospheres. In particular, the transfer of momentum (from wind), vapor (evaporation/sublimation), liquid (rainfall, percolation, infiltration) and solids (snow) occurs between surfaces and atmospheres.
Planetary Volatiles: Snow and Ice
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on planetary volatiles. Volatiles include substances that have a high vapor pressure relative to the ambient atmosphere. We study the longevity, locations and other characteristics of volatiles. More specifically: H2O ice, snow and frost are volatiles on the Earth. We study the persistence of perennial snowfields in Colorado and Mongolia. Mars...
Caves
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on caves. In particular, we are interested in the physics of caves, which involves the application of the principles of heat transfer, mass transfer and meteorology to understand how cave climates evolve. We are also interested in caves on other planetary bodies and moons, and how they may be used as resources for future missions.
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) recently established the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program. This service-oriented program is built around the recognition that the Earth is a fundamental training ground for human and robotic planetary exploration, and that ASC is in a unique position in northern Arizona with...
Hunga Tonga Volcano Ash Plume
GOES-West image of the explosive eruption of the Hunga Tonga volcano in 2022. The explosion atmospheric pressure waves that traveled around the world. Read more here.
GOES-West image of the explosive eruption of the Hunga Tonga volcano in 2022. The explosion atmospheric pressure waves that traveled around the world. Read more here.
Asteroid Impact Modeling Working Group Hikes into Meteor Crater
This photograph shows members of the Asteroid Impact Modeling Working Group workshop participants descending into Meteor Crater in northern Arizona. Meteor Crater is the best-preserved asteroid impact crater on Earth. It has been used to study the effects of impact, and as a site to train astronauts.
This photograph shows members of the Asteroid Impact Modeling Working Group workshop participants descending into Meteor Crater in northern Arizona. Meteor Crater is the best-preserved asteroid impact crater on Earth. It has been used to study the effects of impact, and as a site to train astronauts.