Hydrogen Loss from the Terrestrial Planets
Abstract
Theoretical and experimental research on the escape of light gases from planetary atmospheres is reviewed. Global-average data are utilized throughout the review, and both thermal escape (Jeans escape) processes and nonthermal escape processes are considered. Basic escape mechanisms and associated processes of loss and of production of hydrogen atoms and molecules, ionization of hydrogen atoms, charge exchange, flux swept by the solar wind, mass accretion, molecular diffusion and eddy diffusion (mixing), and sources of hydrogen are discussed first, and research on the individual planets (Earth, Venus, Mars) follows.
- Publication:
-
Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Pub Date:
- 1976
- DOI:
- 10.1146/annurev.ea.04.050176.001405
- Bibcode:
- 1976AREPS...4..265H
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Physics;
- Earth Atmosphere;
- Hydrogen;
- Jeans Theory;
- Mars Atmosphere;
- Venus Atmosphere;
- Charge Exchange;
- Hydrogen Atoms;
- Hydrogen Ions;
- Molecular Gases;
- Solar Wind;
- Turbulent Diffusion