P9: Planetary Atmospheres

Question 1

heat transfer by molecular collisions

Answer 1

conduction

Question 2

heat transfer by bulk fluid motion

Answer 2

convection

Question 3

efficiency of convection depends on ___ gradient in the fluid

Answer 3

temperature

Question 4

actual temperature gradient drops more rapidly with altitude than adiabatic lapse rate

Answer 4

superadiabatic case (convection proceeds efficiently)

Question 5

f flux is independent of altitude then it is in ___ equilibrium

Answer 5

radiative

Question 6

winds on Earth and Mars are controlled by ___ gradients and ___ force

Answer 6

pressure/coriolis

Question 7

sources:
-accretion of gas from ___ before the Sun’s radiation disperses the gas from the protoplanetary disc
-delivery of ___ molecules during collisions with other bodies
-___ of volatile molecules within planetary body

Answer 7

solar nebula/volatile/outgassing

Question 8

sinks:
-___ escape within fastest molecules exceeding escape speed
-non-thermal escape involving interactions that leave atmospheric molecules ___ and susceptible to acceleration in solar magnetic field
-blow off where escaping light elements entrain ___
-___during impacts with incoming bodies

Answer 8

thermal/charged/heavier molecules/erosion