Possible production by lightning of aerosols and trace gases in Titan's atmosphere |
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| Authors: | William J Borucki Christopher P McKay Robert C Whitten |
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| Institution: | Theoretical and Planetary Studies Branch, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 94035, USA |
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| Abstract: | Although lightning has not yet been observed in Titan's atmosphere, the presence of condensable vapors and the deposition of a significant amount of solar energy at the surface suggest the possibility of lightning activity. Based on an understanding of the relationship of lightning activity to the amount of convective energy available on Titan, a lightning energy dissipation rate of 4 × 10?6, W/m2 can be expected. This value is much lower than that for Earth or Jupiter, and is a result of both the reduced solar flux at Titan and the absorption of sunlight by the aerosols that lie above the convective layer. For this dissipation rate, the amount of HCN and C2N2 produced by lightning should be greater than that by solar UV, but could be less than that produced by electron precipitation and galactic cosmic rays. Equilibrium calculations indicate that large mole fractions of elemental solid phase carbon will also be produced. Using a simplified model of aerosol formation, coagulation, and settling, it is estimated that a lightning-produced aerosol could have a typical optical depth of 10?2, with values as high as 0.1. The accumulation of soot over geological time might reach a meter or more in depth. |
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