Scientists find strong evidence of 'ocean of water' on Saturn moon "The presence of water does not imply life," he added. ""But Titan has many interesting ingredients - hydrocarbons, a hydrological cycle and a thick atmosphere." Scientists have no idea if the ocean is in contact with rock, a possible source of minerals and other components believed to be needed for life. Based on the Cassini findings, Titan's suspected ocean lies about 100 kilometres (62 miles) beneath the surface. Although the moon sports lakes of liquid hydrocarbons, such as methane and ethane, Titan's ocean is probably mostly water. "The subsurface ocean has to be made of water, or water mixed with a relatively small percentage of salts," Iess said. If the ocean were liquid hydrocarbons, the heavier surface ice would sink and Cassini would see a global hydrocarbon ocean on the surface, he added. Scientists hope to refine gravity maps of Titan after additional Cassini fly-bys planned through 2017. Cassini arrived at Saturn in 2004. The research appears in this week's issue of Science.