The origins and early histories of planetary atmospheresAncient dry river beds detected on Mars by the Viking spacecraft suggest that the early Martian atmosphere may have been much more massive than at present. Degassing of a late-accreting, volatile-rich veneer may account for the primitive atmosphere of both Mars and earth. The primitive earth atmosphere could have produced a greenhouse effect sufficient to maintain temperatures above 273 K without NH3 and with low solar luminosity. The Venutian veneer, according to preliminary Pioneer results, was probably richer in noble gases relative to carbon and nitrogen than were the Martian and earth veneers. The highly evolved atmosphere of Titan, the large satellite of Saturn, is also discussed.
Document ID
19790049827
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Owen, T. (New York, State University Stony Brook, N.Y., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1979
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: In: Evolution of planetary atmospheres and climatology of the earth; International Conference