The size dependence of sublimation rates for interplanetary ice particles

The sublimation rates for water ice have been computed as a function of particle size for various solar distances. Because of the size dependence of the absorption and emission properties of the particles, a sublimation-rate minimum evolves whose depth and position are sensitive to the spectral-absorption properties of the particle in combination with the spectral distribution of solar radiation. As a consequence, a quasistable size of interplanetary ice particles is predicted which is independent of solar distance.