On the role of the ionosphere for the atmospheric evolution of planets - insights from Titan
by
Jan-Erik Wahlund(Uppsala)
→
Europe/Stockholm
Nordita Seminar Room
Nordita Seminar Room
Description
A brief overview of our understanding of plasma escape mechanisms to
space from the ionosphere and exosphere of Titan and Earth type
planets will be given. Its non-linear response to solar parameters are
of importance for the ancient atmospheric evolution (4 billions years
ago). The focus will be on the large escape of cold ions from the
dense, expanded ionosphere of Titan (Saturn's largest moon). Moreover,
the latest results from the Cassini/Huygens mission on the role of the
ionosphere for production of pre-biotic building blocs through ion-
molecule reactions there will be presented. It is believed that the
ionosphere is major factor in the production of heavy organic
compounds that also leads to the formation of the thick organic
aerosol haze in the atmosphere, and therefore partly control the
climate and surface conditions on Titan.
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