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8. The thermal balance of the atmosphere of venus

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, 85721, Tucson, Ariz., USA

    M. G. Tomasko

  2. Space Sciences Division, Ames Research Center, 94035, Moffett Field, Calif., USA

    R. Boese

  3. Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, 91125, Pasadena, Calif., USA

    A. P. Ingersoll

  4. Goddard Institute for Space Studies, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 10025, New York, NY, USA

    A. A. Lacis

  5. Space Science and Engineering Center, University of Wisconsin, 53703, Madison, Wis., USA

    S. S. Limaye

  6. Space Sciences Division, Ames Research Center, 94035, Moffett Field, Calif., USA

    J. B. Pollack

  7. Space Sciences Division, Ames Research Center, 94035, Moffett Field, Calif., USA

    A. Seiff

  8. Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics and Department of Astrogeophysics, University of Colorado, 80302, Boulder, Co., USA

    A. I. Stewart

  9. Space Science and Engineering Center, University of Wisconsin, 53703, Madison, Wis., USA

    V. E. Suomi

  10. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 91103, Pasadena, Calif., USA

    F. W. Taylor

Authors
  1. M. G. Tomasko
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  2. R. Boese
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  3. A. P. Ingersoll
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  4. A. A. Lacis
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  5. S. S. Limaye
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  6. J. B. Pollack
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  7. A. Seiff
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  8. A. I. Stewart
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  9. V. E. Suomi
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  10. F. W. Taylor
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Tomasko, M.G., Boese, R., Ingersoll, A.P. et al. 8. The thermal balance of the atmosphere of venus. Space Sci Rev 20, 389–412 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02186460

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