8. The thermal balance of the atmosphere of venus

M. G. Tomasko, R. Boese, A. P. Ingersoll, A. A. Lacis, S. S. Limaye, J. B. Pollack, A. Seiff, A. I. Stewart, V. E. Suomi, F. W. Taylor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Current knowledge of the temperature structure of the atmosphere of Venus is briefly summarized. The principal features to be explained are the high surface temperature, the small horizontal temperature contrasts near the cloud tops in the presence of strong apparent motions, and the low value of the exospheric temperature. In order to understand the role of radiative and dynamical processes in maintaining the thermal balance of the atmosphere, a great deal of additional data on the global temperature structure, solar and thermal radiation fields, structure and optical properties of the clouds, and circulation of the atmosphere are needed. The ability of the Pioneer Venus Orbiter and Multiprobe Missions to provide these data is indicated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)389-412
Number of pages24
JournalSpace Science Reviews
Volume20
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1977

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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