Publication Date:
2011-08-19
Description:
Experimental measurements have been obtained for the chemical yields of hydrogen cyanide, acetylene, ethylene, ethane, and propane from simulated lightning discharges, in order to ascertain whether lightning in the troposphere of Titan may be contributing to the hydrocarbon inventory. A comparison of these results with those obtained on the basis of thermodynamic equilibrium considerations shows substantial discrepancies and implies that thermodynamic equilibrium theories are inadequate. The production of ethylene by lightning and its subsequent stratospheric diffusion nevertheless appears to be one reasonable mechanism.
Keywords:
LUNAR AND PLANETARY EXPLORATION
Type:
Icarus (ISSN 0019-1035); 76; 125-134
Format:
text
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