Note to users. If you're seeing this message, it means that your browser cannot find this page's style/presentation instructions -- or possibly that you are using a browser that does not support current Web standards. Find out more about why this message is appearing, and what you can do to make your experience of our site the best it can be.

Science 6 July 1979:
Vol. 205. no. 4401, pp. 70 - 74
DOI: 10.1126/science.205.4401.70
Prev | Table of Contents | Next

Articles

Clouds of Venus: A Preliminary Assessment of Microstructure

ROBERT G. KNOLLENBERG 1 and D. M. HUNTEN 2

1 Particle Measuring Systems, Inc., Boulder, Colorado 80301
2 University of Arizona, Tucson 85724

The multimodal microstructure of the Venus cloud system has been examined. In addition to confirmed H2SO4 droplets and suspected elemental sulfur, a highly concentrated aerosol population has been observed extending above, within, and below the cloud system. These aerosols appear to cycle through the cloud droplets, but can never be removed by the weak precipitation mechanisms present. All cloud particles are likely laced with aerosol contaminants. Sedimentation and decomposition of H2SO4 in the droplets of the lower cloud region contribute more than 7 watts per square meter of heat flux equaling one-fourth of the solar net flux at 50 kilometers.

Submitted on May 21, 1979


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Venus: Halide Cloud Condensation and Volatile Element Inventories.
J. S. LEWIS and B. FEGLEY JR. (1982)
Science 216, 1223-1225
   Abstract »    PDF »
Further Results of the Pioneer Venus Nephelometer Experiment.
J. BLAMONT and B. RAGENT (1979)
Science 205, 67-70
   Abstract »    PDF »
Nature of the Ultraviolet Absorber in the Venus Clouds: Inferences Based on Pioneer Venus Data.
J. B. POLLACK, B. RAGENT, R. BOESE, M. G. TOMASKO, J. BLAMONT, R. G. KNOLLENBERG, L. W. ESPOSITO, A. I. STEWART, and L. TRAVIS (1979)
Science 205, 76-79
   Abstract »    PDF »
Absorption of Sunlight in the Atmosphere of Venus.
M. G. TOMASKO, L. R. DOOSE, and P. H. SMITH (1979)
Science 205, 80-82
   Abstract »    PDF »


To Advertise     Find Products

Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)