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Saturn's atmospheric temperature structure and heat budgetThe effective temperature of Saturn from 30 deg S to 10 deg N is 96.5 + or - 2.5 K. This value is 1.9 K higher than a preliminary estimate (Ingersoll et al., 1980). The atmospheric mole fraction of H2 + He is 90 + or - 3%. This value is derived by comparing infrared and radio occultation data (Kliore et al., 1980) for the same latitude. The high value of the effective temperature suggests that Saturn has an additional energy source besides cooling and contraction. The high mole fraction of H2 suggests that separation of heavier He toward the core may be supplying the additional energy. Atmospheric temperatures in the 60- to 600-mbar range are 2.5 K lower within 7 deg of the equator than at higher latitudes. An almost isothermal layer exists between 60 and 160 mbar at all latitudes.
Document ID
19810030266
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Orton, G. S.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Earth and Space Sciences Div., Pasadena Calif., United States)
Ingersoll, A. P.
(California Institute of Technology Pasadena, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 85
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
81A14670
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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