Photochemistry of Planetary Atmospheres

by Yung, Yuk L.; DeMore, William B.

• ISBN13: 9780195105018
• ISBN10: 019510501X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1998-12-31
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Eleven planetary atmospheres are included for detailed study in this reference/text, four for the giant planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune), four for the small bodies (Io, Titan, Triton, and Pluto), and three for the terrestrial planets (Mars, Venus, and Earth). The authors have carried out a comprehensive survey of the principal chemical cycles that control the present composition and past history of planetary atmospheres, using the database provided by recent spacecraft missions supplemented by Earth-based observations.

Table of Contents

Foreword	v
1 Introduction	3	(14)
1.1 The Nature of the Problem	3	(2)
1.2 Physical State of Planetary Atmospheres	5	(7)
1.3 Chemical Composition of Planetary Atmospheres	12	(1)
1.4 Stability of Planetary Atmospheres against Escape	13	(4)
2 Solar Flux and Molecular Absorption	17	(38)
2.1 Introduction	17	(1)
2.2 Solar Radiation and Other Energy Sources	18	(10)
2.3 Absorption Cross Sections of Atmospheric Gases	28	(16)
2.4 Interaction Between Solar Radiation and the Atmosphere	44	(9)
2.5 Sunlight and Life	53	(2)
3 Chemical Kinetics	55	(22)
3.1 Introduction	55	(1)
3.2 Thermochemical Reactions	56	(5)
3.3 Unimolecular Reactions	61	(1)
3.4 Bimolecular Reactions	61	(9)
3.5 Termolecular Reactions	70	(2)
3.6 Heterogeneous Reactions	72	(1)
3.7 Miscellaneous Reactions	73	(4)
4 Origins	77	(43)
4.1 Introduction	77	(2)
4.2 Cosmic Organization	79	(2)
4.3 The Elements of the Periodic Table	81	(3)
4.4 Molecular Clouds	84	(7)
4.5 The Solar Nebula	91	(3)
4.6 Meteorites	94	(5)
4.7 Comets	99	(3)
4.8 Formation of Planets	102	(1)
4.9 Atmospheres of Terrestrial Planets and Satellites	103	(4)
4.10 Miscellaneous Topics	107	(13)
5 Jovian Planets	120	(69)
5.1 Introduction	120	(19)
5.2 Thermosphere	139	(5)
5.3 Hydrocarbon Chemistry	144	(34)
5.4 Nitrogen Chemistry	178	(4)
5.5 Phosphorus Chemistry	182	(1)
5.6 Oxygen Chemistry	183	(3)
5.7 Miscellaneous Topics	186	(3)
6 Satellites and Pluto	189	(55)
6.1 Introduction	189	(2)
6.2 Io	191	(10)
6.3 Titan	201	(33)
6.4 Triton	234	(5)
6.5 Pluto	239	(3)
6.6 Unsolved Problems	242	(2)
7 Mars	244	(38)
7.1 Introduction	244	(3)
7.2 Photochemistry	247	(9)
7.3 Model Results	256	(17)
7.4 Evolution	273	(6)
7.5 Terraforming Mars	279	(1)
7.6 Unsolved Problems	280	(2)
8 Venus	282	(34)
8.1 Introduction	282	(5)
8.2 Photochemistry	287	(7)
8.3 Model Results	294	(17)
8.4 Evolution	311	(2)
8.5 Mystery of the Missing Water	313	(2)
8.6 Unsolved Problems	315	(1)
9 Earth: Imprint of Life	316	(41)
9.1 Introduction	316	(3)
9.2 Gaia Hypothesis	319	(8)
9.3 Hydrological Cycle	327	(3)
9.4 Carbon Cycle	330	(14)
9.5 Rise of Oxygen	344	(5)
9.6 Nitrogen Cycle	349	(2)
9.7 Minor Elements	351	(5)
9.8 Unsolved Problems	356	(1)
10 Earth: Human Impact	357	(68)
10.1 Introduction	357	(6)
10.2 Global Warming	363	(18)
10.3 Tropospheric Chemistry	381	(8)
10.4 Stratospheric Chemistry	389	(22)
10.5 Unsolved Problems	411	(14)
Notes and Bibliography	425	(22)
Author and Proper Name Index	447	(3)
Subject Index	450