Three-Dimensional Modeling of the Tropospheric Methane Cycle on Titan

Details Three-Dimensional Modeling of the Tropospheric Methane Cycle on Titan Three-Dimensional Modeling of the Tropospheric Methane Cycle on Titan

Sep 2001

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001icar..153..130t&link_type=abstract

Icarus, Volume 153, Issue 1, pp. 130-147 (2001).

Mathematics

Logic

44

Scientific paper

The tropospheric methane cycle on Titan including advection, diffusion, condensation, precipitation, evaporation, and surface source is simulated by a three-dimensional general circulation model. The model takes into account the different nucleation of methane in Titan's troposphere, and assumes condensation whenever the saturation ratio (relative humidity) exceeds a critical value of either 100 or 150%. The simulation with the latter critical saturation is shown to be more compatible with the Voyager data. The meridional circulation accounts for a seasonal methane transport from the winter to summer hemisphere in the mid-troposphere, causing a higher supersaturation in late summer and early autumn. Condensation preferentially occurs in this season at 15 km altitude at low latitudes. The occasional character may be explained by the high critical saturation ratio, which cannot be often exceeded. Falling rain evaporates during the descent, so no rain arrives at the surface. The hydrological cycle of methane on Titan takes place mostly within the atmosphere. The latitudinal methane distribution near the surface cannot be reproduced by transport, evaporation, condensation, and combinations of them, indicating some undetermined surface processes affecting the methane distribution. The zonal and meridional circulation is sensitive to the methane distribution.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Three-Dimensional Modeling of the Tropospheric Methane Cycle 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 Three-Dimensional Modeling of the Tropospheric Methane Cycle on Titan, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Three-Dimensional Modeling of the Tropospheric Methane Cycle on Titan will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1863577