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Energy balance and plume dynamics in Triton's lower atmosphereThe present study of the thermal balance-affecting relationships among Triton lower atmosphere thermal conduction, eddy mixing, condensation, and radiative heating indicates that, while the temperature gradient is negative in the lower atmosphere, it becomes positive at higher altitudes due to the downward conduction of ionospheric heat. This temperature profile is essentially consistent with radio-occultation experiment data; the geyser-like plumes observed by Voyager suggest that the Trioton atmosphere's convective and conductive regions join near 10-km altitude, and that the values inferred for the eddy diffusion and heat-transport coefficients indicate a profile reminiscent of the earth's.
Document ID
19910041647
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Yelle, Roger V.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Lunine, Jonathan I.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Hunten, Donald M.
(Arizona, University Tucson, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 89
ISSN: 0019-1035
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
91A26270
Funding Number(s)
OTHER: NSG-7558
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1039
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2017
PROJECT: PROJECT VOYAGER
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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