Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Oct 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010dps....42.0606v&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #42, #6.06; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 42, p.952
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
1
Scientific paper
The Triton's atmosphere circulation and surface frost distribution remain poorly known. To improve our understanding of these characterictics, we have developed the first 3D General Circulation Model of Triton's Atmosphere which has been adapted from a GCM of the Martian atmosphere [1].
In practice, the dynamic part of the Martian GCM has been kept and the physical part has been modified to suit specific properties of Triton's atmosphere. The representation of the large-scale dynamics is based on a grid point model composed of 32 longitudes and 24 latitudes that is a resolution about 170 km and with 25 layers distributed from the surface to above 45 km. The physical parameterizations of the GCM include N2 condensation and sublimation both in the atmosphere and on the ground, the vertical turbulent mixing and the convection in the planetary boundary layer, the thermal conduction with a prescribed flux at the top of the model representing heating from the upper atmosphere. We have introduced radiative processes due to methane and carbon monoxide, using the correlated k method to generate radiative transfer simulation.
With the GCM, we have tried to reproduce the Voyager 2 observations. Some simulations have been run supposing several realistic surface frost distributions. The temperature profiles exhibit a clearly defined tropopause and just above a thermosphere, as expected from the Voyager observations. However, this model does not reproduce the wind direction inferred from the plumes. The implementation in the GCM of a topography on Triton or a flux varying with the latitude and the season could be behind this mystery.
[1] Hourdin et al. (1993), J.A.S 50, 3625-3640 ; Forget et al. (1999), J.G.R 104., NO.E10, PP.24, 155-24, 175
Forget Francois
Millour Ehouarn
Vangvichith Melanie
Wordsworth Robin
No associations
LandOfFree
A 3-D General Circulation Model of Triton's Atmosphere 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 A 3-D General Circulation Model of Triton's Atmosphere, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A 3-D General Circulation Model of Triton's Atmosphere will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1121267