I. Impact of Volcanic Aerosols on Stratospheric Chemistry. II. O₂(¹Σg⁺) and O₂(¹Δg⁺) in the H + O₂ Reaction System. III. Barotropic Instability of Zonal Jets on Mars, Earth and Venus

Author: Michelangeli, Diane Vera

Year: 1989

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisors: Yung, Yuk L.; Ingersoll, Andrew P.

Committee Members: Ingersoll, Andrew P.; Blake, Geoffrey A.; Muhleman, Duane Owen; Leu, Ming-Taun; Yung, Yuk L.

Option: Planetary Sciences; Geochemistry

DOI: 10.7907/6s4a-6e87

Abstract

In order to fully understand an atmospheric system, we must answer questions in radiative transfer (Paper I), dynamics (Paper II), and chemistry (Paper I). The adequacy of the chemical models at reproducing the atmosphere depends on the fundamental knowledge of rate constants and absorption cross sections, which are determined in laboratory experiments (Paper III). All these issues are investigated in the three independent papers of this thesis. While seemingly unrelated, they all attempt to explain observations of terrestrial atmospheres. Paper I focuses on the chemical effects, in the Earth's stratosphere, of a volcanic eruption. Paper II reports experimental results important for the understanding of nightglow emissions on Earth. And finally, Paper III discusses barotropic instabilities as a possible explanation for thermal waves on Mars.

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