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.
Professional Experience
Research Space Scientist - U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff AZ. 1999 - Present.
Acting Science Center Director - U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff AZ. Oct 2010 - Jan 2011.
Remote Sensing Analyst - Contracted with the U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ, and Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, TN. 1997-1999.
Staff Lecturer - University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY. 1996-1997.
Co-Investigator on Mars Odyssey THermal EMission Imaging System (THEMIS).
Co-Investigator on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM).
Selected as a Dawn at Vesta Participating Scientist.
Military: Lieutenant Colonel (Retired). Last Position prior to Retirement: Chief of Logistics, Camp Navajo, Arizona National Guard, Bellemont, AZ.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D.,Astrophysics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 1996
M.S., Astrophysics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 1988
B.A., Physics/Mathematics, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 1985
Military Education: Command General Staff College (2000)
Military Education: Quartermaster Officer Advance Course (2003)
Science and Products
Planetary Defense
Surface - Atmosphere interaction
Planetary Volatiles: Snow and Ice
Caves
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
Imagery, photogrammetry, and meteorological data from December 2021 to December 2022, Grand Falls Dune Field, Arizona
PAAD: The Planetary Aeolian Analog Database
Subsurface temperature profiles, imagery, and meteorological data at a Sunset Crater cinder field: March 2021 to May 2022
Imagery and meteorological data from April 2021 to December 2021, Grand Falls Dune Field, Arizona
Sediment budget data for Lees Ferry dune field, February-May 2019
Imagery, soil temperature and humidity profiles, and meteorological data from December 2020 to April 2021, Grand Falls Dune Field, Arizona
Oblique Thermal Imaging of the Pisgah Lava Field, California Acquired March 2010
Mars Dune Digital Database - Merged
Grand Falls, Arizona: Dune Field Sand Transport 2013 - 2016
U.S. Geological Survey Rocky Mountain Region 2022 science exchange, showcasing interdisciplinary and state-of-the-art USGS science
The nitty-gritty forces that shape planetary surfaces
National preparedness strategy & action plan for potentially hazardous near-Earth objects and planetary defense
A review of common natural disasters as analogs for asteroid impact effects and cascading hazards
Apophis specific action team report
Planetary caves: A Solar System view of processes and products
It’s time for focused in situ studies of planetary surface-atmosphere interactions
Can we accurately estimate sediment budgets on Mars?
Fundamental science and engineering questions in planetary cave exploration
Planetary Aeolian landforms: An introduction to the Fifth Planetary Dunes Workshop Special Issue
Using near–surface temperature data to vicariously calibrate high-resolution thermal infrared imagery and estimate physical surface properties
Planetary dunes tell of otherworldly winds
Science and Products
- Science
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... - Data
Imagery, photogrammetry, and meteorological data from December 2021 to December 2022, Grand Falls Dune Field, Arizona
Grand Falls dune field (GFDF) is located on the Navajo Nation, ~70 km NE of Flagstaff, AZ. This active dune field displays a range of morphologies, including barchans, smaller dunes, and ripples, and is bimodal in composition. The felsic component is likely derived from the Little Colorado River, and the mafic component (basaltic grains) is locally sourced from nearby cinder cones [1]. GFDF is anPAAD: The Planetary Aeolian Analog Database
The Terrestrial Analogs Data Portal (TADP; https://tadp.astrogeology.usgs.gov/) has been established as a repository and data discovery portal which leverages USGS ScienceBase, a trusted long-term digital repository that provides access to all USGS data services. Creation of the TADP service is in response to a number of NASA-generated reports identifying the need for a permanent planetary analogSubsurface temperature profiles, imagery, and meteorological data at a Sunset Crater cinder field: March 2021 to May 2022
We have set up a meteorological station at a small cinder field in Sunset Crater National Monument, Arizona, that records temperature, barometric pressure, relative humidity, wind direction, wind speed, solar radiation, and precipitation. Each hour, a BlazeVideo camera records a small portion of the cinder field adjacent to the meteorological station. Subsurface temperatures are recorded at cinderImagery and meteorological data from April 2021 to December 2021, Grand Falls Dune Field, Arizona
Grand Falls dune field (GFDF) is located on the Navajo Nation, ~70 km NE of Flagstaff, AZ. This active dune field displays a range of morphologies, including barchans, smaller dunes, and ripples, and is bimodal in composition. The felsic component is likely derived from the Little Colorado River, and the mafic component (basaltic grains) is locally sourced from nearby cinder cones [1]. GFDF is anSediment budget data for Lees Ferry dune field, February-May 2019
These data were compiled to enable estimation of aeolian dune field sediment budgets calculated using remote sensing methods. The objective of the study was to evaluate sediment budgets calculated for the Lees Ferry dune field in Grand Canyon, Earth as a terrestrial analog for aeolian dune fields in Valles Marineris, Mars. These data represent digital elevation models (DEM) of the topography of thImagery, soil temperature and humidity profiles, and meteorological data from December 2020 to April 2021, Grand Falls Dune Field, Arizona
Grand Falls dune field (GFDF) is located on the Navajo Nation, ~70 km NE of Flagstaff, AZ. This active dune field displays a range of morphologies, including barchans, smaller dunes, and ripples, and is bimodal in composition. The felsic component is likely derived from the Little Colorado River, and the mafic component (basaltic grains) is locally sourced from nearby cinder cones [1]. GFDF is anOblique Thermal Imaging of the Pisgah Lava Field, California Acquired March 2010
As part of a NASA-funded study of diurnal thermal imaging at a Mars analog site, we conducted simultaneous oblique thermal imaging and in situ temperature measurements within two regions of interest on the Pisgah lava field, near Ludlow, California. Both regions of interest contained either cave or cave-like alcoves. Data released in this report was collected from 03/23/2010 to 03/25/2010. The expMars Dune Digital Database - Merged
The Mars Global Digital Dune Database provides a comprehensive and quantitative view of the geographic distribution of dune fields from 65° N to 65° S latitude. The database encompasses ~ 550 dune fields, covering ~ 70,000 km2, with an estimated total volume between 3,600 km3 and 13,400 km3. Over 2300 selected Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) infrared (IR), THEMIS visible (VIS) and Mars OrGrand Falls, Arizona: Dune Field Sand Transport 2013 - 2016
As part of a NASA-funded study of sediment flux rates at a Mars analog site, we installed a suite of instruments in a small dune field near Grand Falls, Arizona. Data released in this report were collected from 10/28/2013 to 11/04/2016. The Grand Falls (GF) dune field is located on the Navajo Nation. It lies ~70 km NE of Flagstaff, AZ, 2 km east of Grand Falls, and just north of the Little Colorad - Publications
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U.S. Geological Survey Rocky Mountain Region 2022 science exchange, showcasing interdisciplinary and state-of-the-art USGS science
IntroductionThe Rocky Mountains and the Colorado River Basin in the Western United States represent complex, interconnected systems that sustain a number of species, including tens of millions of humans. These systems face several challenges, including worsening drought, altered wildfire regimes, climate change, and the spread of invasive species. These factors can exacerbate one another, furtherAuthorsDana E. Peterson, Katherine L. French, Jeannette H. Oden, Patrick J. Anderson, Timothy N. Titus, Katharine G. Dahm, Jessica M. Driscoll, William J. AndrewsByNatural Hazards Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, Astrogeology Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Colorado Water Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science CenterThe nitty-gritty forces that shape planetary surfaces
No abstract available.AuthorsBrian Jackson, Serina Diniega, Timothy N. Titus, Alejandro Soto, Edgard Rivera-ValentinNational preparedness strategy & action plan for potentially hazardous near-Earth objects and planetary defense
Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) are asteroids and comets that orbit the Sun, but have orbits that can bring them into Earth’s neighborhood—within 30 million miles of Earth’s orbit. Planetary defense is “applied planetary science” to address the NEO impact risks on Earth. This National Preparedness Strategy and Action Plan for Near-Earth Objects and Planetary Defense (2023 Planetary Defense Strategy) updAuthorsMatthew Daniels, Lindley Johnson, Renata Kommel, Patrick Besha, Perry Brody, Kevin Conole, Kelly Fast, Angelo Fernandez, Ralph Gaume, Kevin Greenaugh, Ryan Guglietta, Diane Howard, Grace Hu, Christine Joseph, Brig Gen Traci Keuker-Murphy, L.A. Lewis, Lindsay Millard, Joel Mozer, Dianne Poster, Timothy N. Titus, Ashley VanderleyA review of common natural disasters as analogs for asteroid impact effects and cascading hazards
Modern civilization has no collective experience with possible wide-ranging effects from a medium-sized asteroid impactor. Currently, modeling efforts that predict initial effects from a meteor impact or airburst provide needed information for initial preparation and evacuation plans, but longer-term cascading hazards are not typically considered. However, more common natural disasters, such as voAuthorsTimothy N. Titus, D. G. Robertson, Joel B. Sankey, Larry G. Mastin, Francis K. RengersApophis specific action team report
This report about Asteroid (99942) Apophis's Earth close approach on April 13, 2029 was generated by a Specific Action Team (SAT) formed by the Small Body Assessment Group (SBAG) at the request of NASAs Planetary Science Division (PSD). The SAT assessed the current predictions for the effects that may occur due to the close encounter, evaluated observing capabilities, and identified possible invesAuthorsJ. L. Dotson, M. Brozovic, S. Chesley, S. Jarmak, N. Moskovitz, A. Rivkin, P. Sanchez, D. Souami, Timothy N. TitusPlanetary caves: A Solar System view of processes and products
We provide the first solar system wide compendium of speleogenic processes and products. An examination of 15 solar system bodies revealed that six cave-forming processes occur beyond Earth including volcanic (cryo and magmatic), fracturing (tectonic and impact melt), dissolution, sublimation, suffusion, and landslides. Although no caves (i.e., confirmed entrances with associated linear passages)AuthorsJ. Judson Wynne, John E. Mylroie, Timothy N. Titus, Michael J. Malaska, Debra L. Buczkowski, Peter B. Buhler, Paul K. Byrne, Glen E. Cushing, Ashley Gerard Davies, Amos Frumkin, Candice Hansen-Koharcheck, Victoria Hiatt, Jason D. Hofgartner, Trudi Hoogenboom, Ulyana Horodyskyj, Kynan H. G. Hughson, Laura A. Kerber, Margaret E. Landis, Erin J. Leonard, Elodie Lesage, Alice Lucchetti, Matteo Massironi, Karl L. Mitchell, Luca Penasa, Cynthia B. Phillips, Riccardo Pozzobon, Jani Radebaugh, Francesco Sauro, Robert V. Wagner, Thomas R. WattersIt’s time for focused in situ studies of planetary surface-atmosphere interactions
A critical gap in planetary observations has been in situ characterization of extra-terrestrial, present-day atmospheric and surface environments and activity. While some surface activity has been observed and some in situ meteorological measurements have been collected by auxiliary instruments on Mars, existing information is insufficient to conclusively characterize the natural processes via conAuthorsSerina Diniega, Nathan Barba, Louis Giersch, Brian Jackson, Alejandro Soto, Don Banfield, Mackenzie D. Day, Gary Doran, Colin M. Dundas, Michael Mischna, Scot Rafkin, Isaac B. Smith, Rob Sullivan, Christy Swann, Timothy N. Titus, Ian J. Walker, Jacob Widmer, Devon M. Burr, Lukas Mandrake, Nathalie Vriend, Kaj E. WilliamsCan we accurately estimate sediment budgets on Mars?
Sediment budgets are fundamentally important for planetary science. However, only one primary method, based on remote sensing, is currently available for determining extraterrestrial sediment budgets. For determining sediment budgets on Earth, both in-situ and remote sensing methods are available. Despite the widespread use of the two methods, there has been surprisingly little research on how welAuthorsJoel B. Sankey, Alan Kasprak, Matthew Chojnacki, Timothy N. Titus, Joshua Caster, Geoffrey DeBenedettoFundamental science and engineering questions in planetary cave exploration
Nearly half a century ago, two papers postulated the likelihood of lunar lava tube caves using mathematical models. Today, armed with an array of orbiting and fly-by satellites and survey instrumentation, we have now acquired cave data across our solar system—including the identification of potential cave entrances on the Moon, Mars, and at least six other planetary bodies. These discoveries gaveAuthorsJ. Judson Wynne, Timothy N. Titus, Ali-akbar Agha-Mohammadi, Armando Azua-Bustos, Penelope J. Boston, Pablo de León, Cansu Demirel-Floyd, Jo de Waele, Heather Jones, Michael J. Malaska, Ana Z. Miller, Haley M. Sapers, Francesco Sauro, Derek L. Sonderegger, Kyle Uckert, Uland Y. Wong, E. Calvin Alexander, Leroy Chiao, Glen E. Cushing, John DeDecker, Alberto G. Fairén, Amos Frumkin, Gary L. Harris, Michelle L. Kearney, Laura A. Kerber, Richard J. Léveillé, Kavya Manyapu, Matteo Massironi, John E. Mylroie, Bogdan P. Onac, Scott E. Parazynski, Charity M. Phillips-Lander, T. H. Prettyman, Dirk Schulze-Makuch, Robert V. Wagner, William L. Whittaker, Kaj E. WilliamsPlanetary Aeolian landforms: An introduction to the Fifth Planetary Dunes Workshop Special Issue
Aeolian landforms are widespread in our solar system. Understanding the exact nature and processes of formation of these features are challenging tasks necessitating a strong collaboration between scientists with different skills and scientific backgrounds. This paper describes the special issue for the 5th International Planetary Dunes Workshop, which includes 15 research papers and three commentAuthorsSimone Silvestro, Timothy N. TitusUsing near–surface temperature data to vicariously calibrate high-resolution thermal infrared imagery and estimate physical surface properties
Thermal response of the surface to solar insolation is a function of the topography and the thermal physical characteristics of the landscape, which include bulk density, heat capacity, thermal conductivity and surface albedo and emissivity. Thermal imaging is routinely used to constrain thermal physical properties by characterizing or modeling changes in the diurnal temperature profiles. Images nAuthorsTimothy N. Titus, J. Judson Wynne, M.D. Jhabvala, N. A. CabrolPlanetary dunes tell of otherworldly winds
Dune fields are common on beaches and in deserts—think of the imposing sand hills and sinuous ripples of the Sahara in Africa or the Karakum in Central Asia, for example—as well as underwater on the beds of rivers, lakes, and oceans. The varied shapes, sizes, and orientations of both modern dunes and those preserved in the geologic record tell of the conditions under which they formed, particularlAuthorsTimothy N. Titus, S. Diniega, L.K. Fenton, Lynn D.V. Neakrase, James R. Zimbelman - News