This unlikely sounding collaboration is taking place between researchers interested in exploring Lake Vostok in Antarctica, which is sealed off below several kilometres of ice, and planetary scientists, who see such exploration as a possible dress rehearsal for a future robotic mission to Jupiter's moon Europa, whose icy surface is thought to conceal vast oceans that might harbour extraterrestrial life.

ECONOMIST: Planetary pretenders

With its negligible atmosphere, this wouldn't be a problem on Europa, suggesting the moon could have more or less ideal conditions for the formation of these icy blades.

BBC: Ice blades threaten Europa landing

The researchers were able to draw parallels between our planet and Saturn's hazy moon, suggesting that similar geological processes may have altered Titan's icy surface in the recent past.

MSN: Saturn's moon Titan may have seen Earth-like erosion

According to the results of the new study, similar processes, including tectonic upheaval, icy lava eruptions, erosion and sedimentation by rivers, may also be factors on Saturn's largest moon.

MSN: Saturn's moon Titan may have seen Earth-like erosion