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Photochemistry of CO and H2O - Analysis of laboratory experiments and applications to the prebiotic earth's atmosphereThe role photochemical reactions in the early earth's atmosphere played in the prebiotic synthesis of simple organic molecules was examined, extending an earlier calculation of formaldehyde production rates to more reduced carbon species, such as methanol, methane, and acetaldehyde. The experimental results of Bar-Nun and Chang (1983) are simulated as an aid in the construction of the photochemical scheme and as a way of validating the model. The results indicate that some fraction of CO2 and H2 present in the primitive atmosphere could have been converted to simple organic molecules. The exact amount is dependent on the partial pressure of CO2 and H2 in the atmosphere and on what assumptions are made concerning the shape of the absorption spectra of CO2 and H2O.
Document ID
19900027245
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Wen, Jun-Shan
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Pinto, Joseph P.
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Yung, Yuk L.
(California Institute of Technology Pasadena, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
October 20, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 94
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
90A14300
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1538
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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