Publication Date:
2019-08-28
Description:
The atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune are discussed in the light of the Voyager 2 flybys of these planets. A basic overview of their atmospheres is presented, with emphasis on thermal structure, composition, energy and opacity sources, cloud structure, and the horizontal structure of the atmospheres. The nature and implications of the different internal heat flows on the two planets, and the implications of the deuterium and helium abundances for the origin and evolution of these ice giants, as distinct from Jupiter and Saturn, are discussed. Selected chemical and physical processes in the atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune are illustrated.
Keywords:
LUNAR AND PLANETARY EXPLORATION
Type:
In: Annual review of astronomy and astrophysics. Vol. 31 (A94-12726 02-90); p. 217-263.
Format:
text