Equilibrium and nonequilibrium chemistry of Saturn's atmosphere - Implications for the observability of PH3, N2, CO, and GeH4

Details Equilibrium and nonequilibrium chemistry of Saturn's atmosphere - Implications for the observability of PH3, N2, CO, and GeH4 Equilibrium and nonequilibrium chemistry of Saturn's atmosphere - Implications for the observability of PH3, N2, CO, and GeH4

Dec 1985

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1985apj...299.1067f&link_type=abstract

Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 299, Dec. 15, 1985, p. 1067-1078.

Physics

49

Atmospheric Chemistry, Chemical Equilibrium, Saturn Atmosphere, Thermochemistry, Astronomical Models, Atmospheric Composition, Atmospheric Models, Cloud Physics, Reaction Kinetics, Upper Atmosphere

Scientific paper

Results are presented for thermochemical equilibrium calculations of several hundred gases in Saturn's hot deep atmosphere with the most significant thermochemical kinetics incorporated in a chemical-dynamical model designed to predict nonequilibrium trace abundances in the cool upper atmosphere. A baseline model assuming an adiabatic lapse rate in Saturn's troposphere (2.5 times solar elemental abundances) and a vertical eddy diffusion coefficient were employed; the sensitivity of the results to variations in elemental abundance and K values was studied. The most abundant trace gas derived from Saturn's deep atmosphere was predicted to be nitrogen; only PH3 was observed on Saturn. The paradox associated with the GeH4 mixing ratio is resolved when GeH4 destruction by reaction with H atoms (from NH3 and PH3) is taken into account together with photolysis and the photochemical destruction of GeH4 above the clouds. It is concluded that, while Saturn's deep-atmospheric vertical mixing is predicted to be the major source of N2, PH3, HCN, and CH3NH2 in Saturn's visible atmosphere, photochemical reactions compete with vertical mixing as a source of CO.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Equilibrium and nonequilibrium chemistry of Saturn's atmosphere - Implications for the observability of PH3, N2, CO, and GeH4 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Equilibrium and nonequilibrium chemistry of Saturn's atmosphere - Implications for the observability of PH3, N2, CO, and GeH4, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Equilibrium and nonequilibrium chemistry of Saturn's atmosphere - Implications for the observability of PH3, N2, CO, and GeH4 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1160420