Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Oct 1991
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1991plas.rept..171l&link_type=abstract
In NASA, Washington, Reports of Planetary Astronomy, 1991 p 171 (SEE N92-12792 03-89)
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Atmospheric Composition, Deuterium, Geochronology, Line Spectra, Venus (Planet), Venus Atmosphere, Atmospheric Models, Hydrogen, Molecules, Pioneer Venus 1 Spacecraft, Spectral Bands, Water
Scientific paper
In view of the importance of the deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio in understanding the evolutionary scenario of planetary atmospheres and its relationship to understanding the evolution of our own Earth, we undertook a series of observations designed to resolve previous observational conflicts. We observed the dark side of Venus in the 2.3 micron spectral region in search of both H2O and HDO, which would provide us with the D/H ratio in Venus' atmosphere. We identified a large number of molecular lines in the region, belonging to both molecules, and, using synthetic spectral techniques, obtained mixing ratios of 34 plus or minus 10 ppm and 1.3 plus or minus 0.2 ppm for H2O and HDO, respectively. These mixing ratios yield a D/H ratio for Venus of D/H equals 1.9 plus or minus 0.6 times 10 12 and 120 plus or minus 40 times the telluric ratio. Although the detailed interpretation is difficult, our observations confirm that the Pioneer Venus Orbiter results and establish that indeed Venus had a period in its early history in which it was very wet, perhaps not unlike the early wet period that seems to have been present on Mars, and that, in contrast to Earth, lost much of its water over geologic time.
Bezard Bruno
Crisp Dave
de Bergh Catherine
Lutz Barry L.
Maillard Jean Pierre
No associations
LandOfFree
Deuterium on Venus: Observations from Earth 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 Deuterium on Venus: Observations from Earth, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Deuterium on Venus: Observations from Earth will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1876996