The tide in the seas of Titan

The parameters of the tides in the near-global ocean that may exist on Titan are assessed. A formula for the difference between the maximum heights of the oceanic and body tides is used to determine that the amplitude of the apparent, near-stationary, oceanic tide on Titan is greater than about 100 m. The effects of tidal dissipation are evaluated, showing that the amplitude of the tide will vary by nine percent over its 15.95-day period. The observed eccentricity of Titan's orbit is used to establish limits on the satellite's surface topography and oceanic depths. It is concluded that either Titan is covered by a near-global methane ocean over 400 m deep, or that there is no methane ocean at all. Reflectivity measurements can decide between these alternatives.