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.
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
Hyperspectral analysis of rocky surfaces on the Earth and other planetary systems: Chapter 27
A comparison of Martian north and south polar cold spots and the long‐term effects of the 2001 global dust storm
Seasonal H2O and CO2 ice cycles at the Mars Phoenix landing site: 1. Prelanding CRISM and HiRISE observations
Emplacement of the youngest flood lava on Mars: A short, turbulent story
A prelanding assessment of the ice table depth and ground ice characteristics in Martian permafrost at the Phoenix landing site
Implications for Martian polar processes, Ch. 25
Introduction to planetary and space science special issue: Mars polar processes
On developing thermal cave detection techniques for earth, the moon and mars
MGS-TES thermal inertia study of the Arsia Mons Caldera
Observations of the north polar water ice annulus on Mars using THEMIS and TES
Summer season variability of the north residual cap of Mars as observed by the Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (MGS-TES)
THEMIS observes possible cave skylights on Mars
Science and Products
- Science
- Data
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 90
Hyperspectral analysis of rocky surfaces on the Earth and other planetary systems: Chapter 27
This book is focused on studies of vegetation on Earth using hyperspectral remote sensing methods. However, it is appropriate to extend the application of these methods out to other rocky bodies in our Solar System for a variety of reasons. First, minerals, soils, and rocks form the substrate on which vegetation grows on Earth. Compositional analyses of these components with hyperspectral data proAuthorsR. Greg Vaughan, Timothy N. Titus, Jeffery R Johnson, Justin Hagerty, Lisa R. Gaddis, Laurence A. Soderblom, Paul E. GeisslerA comparison of Martian north and south polar cold spots and the long‐term effects of the 2001 global dust storm
In the 1970s, Viking and Mariner observed areas in the polar regions of Mars with winter brightness temperatures below the expected kinetic temperatures for CO2 ice sublimation. These areas have since been termed “cold spots” and have been identified as surface deposits of CO2 atmospheric condensates and, occasionally, active CO2 storms. Three Mars years of data from the Mars Global Surveyor ThermAuthorsC. Cornwall, Timothy N. TitusSeasonal H2O and CO2 ice cycles at the Mars Phoenix landing site: 1. Prelanding CRISM and HiRISE observations
The condensation, evolution, and sublimation of seasonal water and carbon dioxide ices were characterized at the Mars Phoenix landing site from Martian northern midsummer to midspring (Ls ∼ 142° – Ls ∼ 60°) for the year prior to the Phoenix landing on 25 May 2008. Ice relative abundances and grain sizes were estimated using data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars and HigAuthorsSelby Cull, Raymond E. Arvidson, Michael T. Mellon, Sandra M. Wiseman, Roger N. Clark, Timothy N. Titus, Richard V. Morris, Patrick E. McGuireEmplacement of the youngest flood lava on Mars: A short, turbulent story
Recently acquired data from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE), Context (CTX) imager, and Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft were used to investigate the emplacement of the youngest flood-lava flow on Mars. Careful mapping finds that the Athabasca Valles flood lava is the product of a single eruAuthorsWindy L. Jaeger, Laszlo P. Keszthelyi, James A. Skinner, Moses P. Milazzo, Alfred S. McEwen, Timothy N. Titus, Mark R. Rosiek, Donna M. Galuszka, Elpitha Howington-Kraus, Randolph L. KirkA prelanding assessment of the ice table depth and ground ice characteristics in Martian permafrost at the Phoenix landing site
We review multiple estimates of the ice table depth at potential Phoenix landing sites and consider the possible state and distribution of subsurface ice. A two-layer model of ice-rich material overlain by ice-free material is consistent with both the observational and theoretical lines of evidence. Results indicate ground ice to be shallow and ubiquitous, 2-6 cm below the surface. Undulations inAuthorsMichael T. Mellon, William V. Boynton, William C. Feldman, Raymond E. Arvidson, Timothy N. Titus, Joshua L. Bandfield, Nathaniel E. Putzig, H.G. SizemoreImplications for Martian polar processes, Ch. 25
No abstract available.AuthorsTimothy N. Titus, W. M. Calvin, H. H. Kieffer, Yves Langevin, Thomas H. PrettymanIntroduction to planetary and space science special issue: Mars polar processes
No abstract available.AuthorsTimothy N. Titus, Anthony Colaprete, Thomas H. PrettymanOn developing thermal cave detection techniques for earth, the moon and mars
The purpose of this study is to (1) demonstrate the viability of detecting terrestrial caves at thermal-infrared wavelengths, (2) improve our understanding of terrestrial cave thermal behavior, (3) identify times of day when cave openings have the maximum thermal contrast with the surrounding surface regolith, and (4) further our understanding of how to detect caves on Earth, the Moon and Mars. WeAuthorsJ. Judson Wynne, Timothy N. Titus, Guillermo Chong DiazMGS-TES thermal inertia study of the Arsia Mons Caldera
Temperatures of the Arsia Mons caldera floor and two nearby control areas were obtained by the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES). These observations revealed that the Arsia Mons caldera floor exhibits thermal behavior different from the surrounding Tharsis region when compared with thermal models. Our technique compares modeled and observed data to determine best fit vAuthorsGlen E. Cushing, Timothy N. TitusObservations of the north polar water ice annulus on Mars using THEMIS and TES
The Martian seasonal CO2 ice caps advance and retreat each year. In the spring, as the CO2 cap gradually retreats, it leaves behind an extensive defrosting zone from the solid CO2 cap to the location where all CO2 frost has sublimated. We have been studying this phenomenon in the north polar region using data from the THermal EMission Imaging System (THEMIS), a visible and infra-red (IR) camera onAuthorsKiri L. Wagstaff, Timothy N. Titus, Anton B. Ivanov, Rebecca Castaño, Joshua L. BandfieldSummer season variability of the north residual cap of Mars as observed by the Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (MGS-TES)
Previous observations have noted the change in albedo in a number of North Pole bright outliers and in the distribution of bright ice deposits between Mariner 9, Viking, and Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) data sets. Changes over the summer season as well as between regions at the same season (Ls) in different years have been observed. We used the bolometric albedo and brightness temperature channels oAuthorsWendy M. Calvin, Timothy N. TitusTHEMIS observes possible cave skylights on Mars
Seven possible skylight entrances into Martian caves were observed on and around the flanks of Arsia Mons by the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS). Distinct from impact craters, collapse pits or any other surface feature on Mars, these candidates appear to be deep dark holes at visible wavelengths while infrared observations show their thermal behaviors to be consistent with suAuthorsGlen Cushing, Timothy N. Titus, J. Judson Wynne, P. R. Christensen - News