A theoretical investigation into the trapping of noble gases by clathrates on Titan

Details A theoretical investigation into the trapping of noble gases by clathrates on Titan A theoretical investigation into the trapping of noble gases by clathrates on Titan

2008-03-19

arxiv.org/abs/0803.2884v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Accepted for publication in Planetary and Space Science

Scientific paper

10.1016/j.pss.2008.04.009

In this paper, we use a statistical thermodynamic approach to quantify the efficiency with which clathrates on the surface of Titan trap noble gases. We consider different values of the Ar, Kr, Xe, CH4, C2H6 and N2 abundances in the gas phase that may be representative of Titan's early atmosphere. We discuss the effect of the various parameters that are chosen to represent the interactions between the guest species and the ice cage in our calculations. We also discuss the results of varying the size of the clathrate cages. We show that the trapping efficiency of clathrates is high enough to significantly decrease the atmospheric concentrations of Xe and, to a lesser extent, of Kr, irrespective of the initial gas phase composition, provided that these clathrates are abundant enough on the surface of Titan. In contrast, we find that Ar is poorly trapped in clathrates and, as a consequence, that the atmospheric abundance of argon should remain almost constant. We conclude that the mechanism of trapping noble gases via clathration can explain the deficiency in primordial Xe and Kr observed in Titan's atmosphere by Huygens, but that this mechanism is not sufficient to explain the deficiency in Ar.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

A theoretical investigation into the trapping of noble gases by clathrates on Titan 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 theoretical investigation into the trapping of noble gases by clathrates on Titan, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A theoretical investigation into the trapping of noble gases by clathrates on Titan will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-577164