The detached haze layer in Titan's mesosphere

Computer Science

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

25

Scientific paper

By comparing observations from the Cassini imaging system, UV spectrometer, and Huygens atmospheric structure instrument, we determine an apparent radius of ˜40 nm, an imaginary index <0.3 at 187.5 nm and a number density of ˜30 particles cm-3 for the detached haze layer at 520 km in Titan's mesosphere. We point out that the detached haze layer is coincident with a local maximum in the measured temperature profile and show that the temperature maximum is caused by absorption of sunlight in the detached haze layer. This rules out condensation as the source of the layer. The derived particle size is in good agreement with that estimated for the size of the monomers in the aggregate particles that make up the main haze layer. Calculations of the sedimentation velocity of the haze particles coupled with the derived number density imply a mass flux 2.7-4.6×10-14 gcm-2s-1, which is approximately equal to the mass flux required to explain the main haze layer. Because the aerosol size and mass flux derived for the detached layer agree with those determined for the main layer, we suggest that the main haze layer in Titan's stratosphere is formed primarily by sedimentation and coagulation of particles in the detached layer. This implies that high-energy radical and ion chemistry in the thermosphere is the main source of haze on Titan.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

The detached haze layer in Titan's mesosphere 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 The detached haze layer in Titan's mesosphere, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The detached haze layer in Titan's mesosphere will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1628416

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.