Present state and chemical evolution of the atmospheres of Titan, Triton, and PlutoAn evaluation is made of the current understanding of the atmospheres of Titan, Triton, and Pluto, as well as of theoretical models for their origin and evolution. All three atmospheres contain methane, while Titan, and probably Triton, have nitrogen. The primary driver in the evolution of the Titan atmosphere has been the irreversible photolysis of methane. If a surface reservoir of liquid methane exists to resupply the atmosphere, it is subject to enrichment in ethane due to the long-term photolysis of methane. The key issue in the origin and early evolution of Titan's atmosphere is the source of molecular nitrogen; two schemes for the conversion of ammonia to nitrogen have been considered.
Document ID
19890056423
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Lunine, J. I. (Arizona, University Tucson, United States)
Atreya, S. K. (Michigan, University Ann Arbor, United States)
Pollack, J. B. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)