Chemical Evolution of the Giant Planets

Contents

List of Contributors

Preface


1 The Two Types of Atmosphere of Jupiter and Saturn

I. Introduction

II. The ±45° Atmosphere

III. The Equatorial Jetstream

IV. The Polar Atmosphere

References


2 Equilibrium and Disequilibrium Chemistry of Adiabatic, Solar-Composition Planetary Atmospheres

I. Introduction

II. Photochemistry

III. Lightning

IV. Proton Irradiation

V. Condensation of Products from Disequilibrium Processes

VI. Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune

VII. Steady-State Abundances of Products

VIII. Conclusions

References


3 Titan's Atmosphere and Surface

I. Introduction

II. Atmospheric Composition

III. Cloud and Haze

IV. Escape and Recycling

V. Thermal Structure

VI. Chemistry

VII. Remarks

References


4 Chemical Abundances in the Atmospheres of the Giant Planets and Their Satellites

I. Introduction

II. Composition

III. Comets

IV. Titan

References


5 Ion Molecule Plasma Chemistry in Reducing Planetary Atmospheres

I. Introduction

II. Principles of Plasma Chemistry

III. Applications of Plasma Chemistry

IV. Conclusion

References


6 Life on the Second Sun

I. A Speculative Bio-Torus

II. Life in the Torus: Thermophiles

III. The Origin of Life in the Bio-Torus

IV. Comments

References


7 Microbial Life at Low Temperatures

I. Introduction

II. Cell Functions Sensitive to "Cold" Temperatures above 0°C

III. Life at Subzero Temperatures

IV. Relevance for Life on Other Planets

References


8 Possibility of Growth of Airborne Microbes in Outer Planetary Atmospheres

I. Introduction

II. Microbial Aerosol Formation

III. Stirred Settling

IV. Rotating Drum

V. Behavior of Bacteria in Air

VI. Metabolism in the Airborne State

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

References


9 Dormant and Resistant Stages of Procaryotic Cells

I. Introduction

II Dormancy and Longevity of Bacterial Endospores

III. Examples of Resting Stages in Procaryotic Cells and Their Resistances to Deleterious Agents

IV. Other Resistance Properties of Resting Cells

V. Return of Resting Cells to Vegetative Growth

VI. Concluding Remarks

References


10 Life in Extreme Environments: Biological Water Requirements

I. Introduction

II. Biological Water Activities

III. Experiments with Neurospora

IV. Jupiter

References


11 Planetary Mission Planning for the Next Decade

I. Introduction

II. The Planetary Mission Model


12 Spin-Scan Imaging—Application to Planetary Missions

I. Introduction

II. Spin-Scan Imaging in Practice

III. Advantages of Spin-Scan Imaging

IV. Spin-Scan Imager System Modeling

V. Spin-Scan Imager Optimization for the Jupiter Orbiter Mission

VI. Summary

References


13 Exploration of the Giant Planets by Infrared Spectroscopy

I. Introduction

II. Surface Composition

HI. Surface Temperature

IV. Vertical Temperature Profile

V. Surface Pressure

VI. Atmospheric Constituents

VII. Vertical Distribution of Constituents

VIII. Other Objectives

IX. General Purpose and Special Purpose Investigations

References


14 Energy Requirements of a Biosphere

I. Introduction

II. Light Conversion in Photosynthesis

III. The Light Harvesting System

IV. Light Saturation

V. Production in Nature

VI. Metabolic Rates, "Dynamic Range"

VII. Anaerobic Life

References


15 Biology on the Outer Planets

I. Introduction

II. The Outer Planets: Physical Aspects

III. Jupiter

IV. Saturn

V. Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto

VI. The Outer Planets: Exobiological Speculations

VII. The Contamination Problem and Conclusions

References


16 Organic Synthesis in a Simulated Jovian Atmosphere of The Planet Jupiter

Subject Index