The atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune.
Abstract
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.
- Publication:
-
Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- 1993
- DOI:
- 10.1146/annurev.aa.31.090193.001245
- Bibcode:
- 1993ARA&A..31..217L
- Keywords:
-
- Neptune Atmosphere;
- Planetary Composition;
- Planetary Temperature;
- Uranus Atmosphere;
- Microwave Sounding;
- Planetary Structure;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration