Radiative-convective equilibrium models of Uranus and Neptune

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Icarus; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0019-1035(86)90145-4· OSTI ID:5227931

Appleby, J F

The present study of Uranus and Neptune radiative-convective equilibrium models gives emphasis to such aspects of the stratospheric energy balance as the influence of aerosol heating and convective penetration. The results obtained for Uranus imply that a continuum absorber may be a significant factor in the stratosphere despite the great distance from the sun. The results obtained for Neptune show that such a continuum absorber could significantly contribute to the energy balance within a localized stratospheric region, although it probably cannot furnish sufficient power to account for the observed IR spectrum irrespective of its vertical distribution. Attention is accordingly given to the convective penetration that could arise under such rapid vertical mixing that CH4's condensation cannot occur before the gas is carried above the condensation region. 64 references.

• Research Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
• OSTI ID: 5227931
• Journal Information: Icarus; (United States), Journal Name: Icarus; (United States) Vol. 65; ISSN ICRSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AEROSOLS
ALKANES
ATMOSPHERES
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
HEATING
HYDROCARBONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
METHANE
NEPTUNE PLANET
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
PLANETS
SOLS
STRATOSPHERE
URANUS PLANET