The effect of dynamics on the composition of Titan's upper atmosphere
2002; American Geophysical Union; Volume: 29; Issue: 23 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1029/2002gl016100
ISSN1944-8007
AutoresIngo Mueller‐Wodarg, R. V. Yelle,
Tópico(s)Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies
ResumoUsing a global time‐dependent general circulation model, we calculate the distribution of constituents in Titan's thermosphere resulting from transport caused by winds and molecular and eddy diffusion. Our simulations reveal that thermospheric winds effectively mix constituents in Titan's upper atmosphere. Consequently, the large eddy coefficients inferred from Voyager UVS observations may be a result of vigorous thermospheric circulation on Titan. Thermospheric winds also cause large diurnal variations in composition, with equatorial CH 4 mole fractions near 1400 km ranging from ∼15% in the late afternoon to ∼58% in the early morning at equinox.
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