Laboratory Studies of Organic Polymer Particles: Implications for Early Earth

Details Laboratory Studies of Organic Polymer Particles: Implications for Early Earth Laboratory Studies of Organic Polymer Particles: Implications for Early Earth

Dec 2002

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002agufmsa71a..06t&link_type=abstract

American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2002, abstract #SA71A-06

Physics

0394 Instruments And Techniques, 6207 Comparative Planetology

Scientific paper

In efforts to resolve the "Faint Young Sun" paradox, it has been suggested that early Earth may have had a reduced atmosphere similar to that present on the Saturn moon Titan. The N2/CH4 atmosphere of Titan is known to produce organic polymer particles. If similar particles were present on early Earth, they may have provided a UV-shield to allow greenhouse gases to accumulate. We are performing laboratory experiments to probe the formation and composition of Titan-like particles that might have formed on the early Earth. We are using a novel analysis technique based on detection of particles using an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS). Using the AMS, we are able to determine the number, size and chemical composition of the particles in real time without first collecting and concentrating them. Our studies focus on characterizing the particles as a function of input trace gas composition. We are varying CH4 concentrations from 10% CH4 in N2 to less than 1000 ppmv CH4. We are also examining the influence of CO2 on the particle characteristics. Results of our ongoing studies will be presented and implications for early Earth discussed.

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