12C/13C and 14N/15N isotopic ratios in HCN in the middle atmosphere of Titan from Cassini/CIRS data
Abstract
Our study aims at constraining the 12C/13C and 14N/15N isotopic ratios in HCN, the most abundant nitrile in Titan’s atmosphere, which can provide information on physical and chemical process occurring during the formation and/or destruction of this molecule.Over the last decade, several estimations of the 12C/13C and 14N/15N isotopic ratios in HCN were performed from ground-based, Herschel and Cassini observations (Bézard et al,2014). The 14N/15N ratio lies in the range 56-76, which corresponds to half of the 14N/15N ratio in N2 (major N-bearing molecule in Titan’s atmosphere). This nitrogen isotopic fractionation mostly originates from the photodissociation of N2 (Liang et al, 2007). The 12C/13C ratio lies in the range 75-108, in agreement with the 12C/13C ratio in CH4 (major C-bearing molecule). Recent disk-averaged ALMA observations indicate 12C/13C and 14N/15N ratios equal to ∼90 and ∼72, respectively (Molter et al, 2016).Vinatier et al (2007) derived 14N/15N and 12C/13C ratios in two different regions (equator and north pole) from Cassini/CIRS (Composite InfraRed Spectrometer) observations at the beginning of the Cassini mission. 14N/15N was similar for both latitudes while the 12C/13C ratio displayed a possible enhancement at the equator.We present here a new study of the 12C/13C and 14N/15N isotopic ratios in HCN from CIRS. We analyzed limb observations (0.5 cm-1 resolution) from northern winter to early spring at poles, mid-latitudes and equator in order to investigate potential spatial and seasonal changes of these isotopic ratios in Titan’s middle atmosphere. These preliminary results will be presented and compared with previous observations.References:Bézard et al., Cambrigde University Press, 2014Liang et al., The Astrophysical Jounral Letters, 2007Molter et al., The Astronomical Journal, 2016Vinatier et al., Icarus, 2007
- Publication:
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AAS/Division for Planetary Sciences Meeting Abstracts #49
- Pub Date:
- October 2017
- Bibcode:
- 2017DPS....4921301M