The atmospheres of Uranus and NeptuneThe atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune are discussed in the light of the Voyager 2 flybys of these planets. A basic overview of their atmospheres is presented, with emphasis on thermal structure, composition, energy and opacity sources, cloud structure, and the horizontal structure of the atmospheres. The nature and implications of the different internal heat flows on the two planets, and the implications of the deuterium and helium abundances for the origin and evolution of these ice giants, as distinct from Jupiter and Saturn, are discussed. Selected chemical and physical processes in the atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune are illustrated.
Document ID
19940036077
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Lunine, Jonathan I. (Arizona Univ. Tucson, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: In: Annual review of astronomy and astrophysics. Vol. 31 (A94-12726 02-90)