Hydrocarbon lakes are bodies of liquid hydrocarbons, primarily composed of methane, ethane, and other organic compounds. These lakes are found on celestial bodies like Titan, Saturn's largest moon, where the extreme cold allows these gases to exist in liquid form. The lakes can vary in size and depth, resembling Earth’s lakes but are made up of different materials.
The presence of hydrocarbon lakes provides valuable insights into the chemistry and geology of Titan. They are of interest to scientists studying the potential for life beyond Earth and the processes that shape planetary environments. Understanding these lakes can also enhance our knowledge of organic chemistry in extreme conditions.