Planetary surface dynamics

The advantage of calibration with a diffuser plate is clear. The plate attenuates solar radiation to the level suitable for the dynamic range of the radiometer. The reflectivity of a planetary surface is directly compared with the reflectivity of the calibration plate, which was carefully measured before launch. 

In this chapter, I will briefly review the observations relevant to the Jovian radiation environment and the suggested surface materials on the large moons. I will then summarize what is known about the radiation-induced surface chemistry and. Anally, I will suggest laboratory studies and molecular dynamics simulations that might be carried out to contribute to an understanding of the surface chemistry relevant to this exciting planetary environment. More extensive reviews of various aspects exist and will be... 

Abstract The periodic orbits play an important role in the study of the stability of a dynamical system. The methods of study of the stability of a periodic orbit are presented both in the general case and for Hamiltonian systems. The Poincare map on a surface of section is presented as a powerful tool in the study of a dynamical system, especially for two or three degrees of freedom. Special attention is given to nearly integrable dynamical systems, because our solar system and the extra solar planetary systems are considered as perturbed Keplerian systems. The continuation of the families of periodic orbits from the unperturbed, integrable, system to the perturbed, nearly integrable system, is studied. 

The Newtonian gravitational force is the dominant force in the N-Body systems in the universe, as for example in a planetary system, a planet with its satellites, or a multiple stellar system. The long term evolution of the system depends on the topology of its phase space and on the existence of ordered or chaotic regions. The topology of the phase space is determined by the position and the stability character of the periodic orbits of the system (the fixed points of the Poincare map on a surface of section). Islands of stable motion exist around the stable periodic orbits, chaotic motion appears at unstable periodic orbits. This makes clear the importance of the periodic orbits in the study of the dynamics of such systems. 

FIGURE 19 Polar stereographic map of potential vorticity near 30 km altitude, showing the breaking of a Rossby planetary wave. During Rossby wave breaking potential vorticity contours roll up and eventually break down. Breaking takes place on a quasihorizontal (constant potential temperature) surface. [From Andrews et al. (1987). Middle Atmosphere Dynamics, Academic Press, New York.]... 

The compositions of the atmospheres of the planets and their evolution since the formation of the solar system are the result of a complex array of Interacting chemical and dynamical processes driven by the absorption of photons and energetic particles from the sun and of cosmic rays from the galaxy. Photochemistry and plasma chemistry exercise a major influence oh the composition of planetary clouds and on the nature of the liquid and solid surfaces. 

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