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Variations in Venus cloud particle properties: A new view of Venus's cloud morphology as observed by Galileo Near-Infrared Mapping SpectrometerUsing Venus nightside data obtained by the Galileo Near-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS), we have studied the correlation of 1.74 and 2.30 micrometer radiation which is transmitted through the clouds. Since the scattering and absorption properties of the cloud particles are different at these two wavelengths, one can distinguish between abundance variations and variations in the properties of the cloud particles themselves. The correlation of intensities shows a clustering of data into five distinct branches. Using radiative transfer calculations, we interpret these branches as regions of distinct but different mixes of Mode 2' and 3 particles. The data and calculations indicate large differences in these modal ratios, the active cloud regions varying in content from nearly pure Mode 2' particles to almost wholly Mode 3. The spatial distribution of these branches shows large scale sizes and both hemispheric symmetries and asymmetries. High-latitude concentrations of large particles are seen in both hemispheres and there is banded structure of small particles seen in both the North and South which may be related. The mean particle size in the Northern Hemisphere is greater than found in the South. If these different branch regions are due to mixing of vertically stratified source regions (e.g. photochemical and condensation source mechanisms), then the mixing must be coherent over very large spatial scales.
Document ID
19950043559
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Carlson, R. W.
(Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA United States)
Kamp, L. W.
(Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA United States)
Baines, K. H.
(Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA United States)
Pollack, J. B.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Grinspoon, D. H.
(University of Colorado, Boulder, CO United States)
Encrenaz, TH.
(DESPA Paris, France)
Drossart, P.
(DESPA Paris, France)
Taylor, F. W.
(Oxford University Oxford, United Kingdom)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Planetary and Space Science
Volume: 41
Issue: 7
ISSN: 0032-0633
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
95A75158
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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