Comparative thermal evolution of Uranus and Neptune |
| |
| Authors: | WB Hubbard |
| |
| Institution: | Department of Planetary Sciences, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA |
| |
| Abstract: | We extend a Jovian convective-cooling model to Uranus and Neptune. The model assumes that efficient interior convection prevails, so that escape of interior heat is governed by the radiative properties of the atmosphere. A comparison of the thermal evolution of Uranus and Neptune indicates that the larger amount of solar radiation absorbed in Uranus' atmosphere tends to differentially suppress the escape of interior heat. The model is shown to be consistent with recent infrared observations of the thermal balance of Uranus and Neptune, and with the presumed age of these planets. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 ScienceDirect 等数据库收录！ |
|
