Composition and chemistry of Saturn's atmosphereA comprehensive discussion and review is presented of the chemistry and composition of Saturn as determined by earth-based, earth-orbital, and Voyager 1 and 2 spectroscopic observations. The observations imply that there are important differences between the actual composition of Saturn's atmosphere and that predicted for a homogeneous solar-composition planet. The H2, He, Ch4, NH3, and PH3 volume mixing ratios differ from the expected solar composition ratios, implying that during its formation Saturn accreted a significant amount of ice and rock. The depletion of He in the visible atmosphere suggests that this element has preferentially differentiated toward the center of the planet. The D to H ratio is similar to that on Jupiter and has important cosmological implications. Volume mixing ratios for C2H6 and C2H2 are consistent with the theoretically expected photochemical sources for these gases.
Document ID
19850051829
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Prinn, R. G. (MIT Cambridge, MA, United States)
Larson, H. P. (Arizona, University Tucson, AZ, United States)
Caldwell, J. J. (New York, State University Stony Brook, NY, United States)
Gautier, D. (Meudon, Observatoire, Meudon Hauts-de-Seine, France)