Anisotropic scattering in the clouds of Venus

Date
1977
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract

Many of the past analyses of the infrared spectra for Venus have adopted an isotropically scattering, homogeneous, atmospheric model. In this work, the anisotropic scattering phase function w* (1+a*cosO) has been used to demonstrate the effects of anisotropy on observable quantities. L.D.G. Young's equivalent width data for the 782 band has been used to calculate combinations of C2 specific abundance, pressure, continuum albedo, and anisotropy. These combinations give values for the atmospheric parameters of mean free path, aerosol number density, and total optical thickness of the clouds. Approximate similarity relations are employed to determine the "true" atmospheric parameters from the isotropic calculations. These extrapolated values agree well with the recent Venera probe data. The analysis indicates a total cloud optical thickness of 3 with a continuum single scattering albedo near unity. The derived aerosol number density, 45 cm^3, and mean free path, .76 km., liken the clouds of Venus to the strato-cirrus clouds of Earth.

Description
Degree
Master of Science
Type
Thesis
Keywords
Citation

Lestrade, John Patrick. "Anisotropic scattering in the clouds of Venus." (1977) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/104083.

Has part(s)
Forms part of
Published Version
Rights
Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.
Link to license
Citable link to this page