Modelling H3+ in planetary atmospheres: effects of vertical gradients on observed quantities

Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences
L MooreC A Schmidt

Abstract

Since its detection in the aurorae of Jupiter approximately 30 years ago, the H3+ ion has served as an invaluable probe of giant planet upper atmospheres. However, the vast majority of monitoring of planetary H3+ radiation has followed from observations that rely on deriving parameters from column-integrated paths through the emitting layer. Here, we investigate the effects of density and temperature gradients along such paths on the measured H3+ spectrum and its resulting interpretation. In a non-isothermal atmosphere, H3+ column densities retrieved from such observations are found to represent a lower limit, reduced by 20% or more from the true atmospheric value. Global simulations of Uranus' ionosphere reveal that measured H3+ temperature variations are often attributable to well-understood solar zenith angle effects rather than indications of real atmospheric variability. Finally, based on these insights, a preliminary method of deriving vertical temperature structure is demonstrated at Jupiter using model reproductions of electron density and H3+ measurements. The sheer diversity and uncertainty of conditions in planetary atmospheres prohibits this work from providing blanket quantitative correction factors; nonetheless, w...Continue Reading

References

Sep 20, 1997·Nature·H FeuchtgruberM Griffin
Jul 1, 1984·The Astrophysical Journal. Supplement Series·Y L YungJ P Pinto
Dec 15, 1989·Science·A L BroadfootR V Yelle
Jul 4, 1986·Science·N F NessF M Neubauer
Feb 10, 2011·Faraday Discussions·Steve MillerJonathan Tennyson
Oct 3, 2012·Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences·Takeshi Oka
Jul 19, 2013·The Journal of Physical Chemistry. a·Steve MillerHenrik Melin
Nov 15, 2015·Icarus·Julianne I MosesBrigette E Hesman
Nov 15, 2017·Icarus·Julianne I Moses, Andrew R Poppe
Aug 6, 2019·Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences·Henrik MelinM N Chowdhury

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Aug 6, 2019·Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences·Jonathan Tennyson, Steve Miller
Aug 6, 2019·Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences·Pierre Drossart
Nov 10, 2020·Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences·L MooreJ O'Donoghue
Nov 10, 2020·Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences·J I MosesM T Roman

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

Related Papers

Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences
Tom StallardKevin H Baines
Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences
L C RayTom Stallard
Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences
Henrik MelinMohammad N Chowdhury
Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences
Tom StallardElias Roussos
Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences
B M DinelliM L Moriconi
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved