Photochemistry of the atmosphere of Titan - Comparison between model and observations
Abstract
Updated chemical schemes and estimates of key rate coefficients are used in the present investigation of the photochemistry of Titan atmosphere C- H- and O-atom containing simple molecules, according to a model incorporating exospheric boundary conditions, vertical transport, and condensation processes at the tropopause. It is suggested that the composition, climatology, and evolution of the Titan atmosphere are controlled by five major processes: CH4 photolysis and photosensitized dissociation, H-to-H2 conversion and hydrogen escape, higher hydrocarbon synthesis, nitrogen and hydrocarbon coupling, and oxygen and hydrocarbon coupling. The model accounts for the minor species concentrations observed by Voyager instruments. Implications of abiotic organic synthesis on Titan for the origin of life on earth are briefly discussed.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
- Pub Date:
- July 1984
- DOI:
- 10.1086/190963
- Bibcode:
- 1984ApJS...55..465Y
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Chemistry;
- Photochemical Reactions;
- Satellite Atmospheres;
- Titan;
- Acetylene;
- Atmospheric Models;
- Carbon Compounds;
- Chemical Composition;
- Ethane;
- Ethylene;
- Hydrogen;
- Nitrogen Compounds;
- Photodissociation;
- Reaction Kinetics;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration