OGI752 FUNDAMENTALS OF PLANETARY

REMOTE SENSING

Planetary atmosphere and thermal structure

Venkadesh N

96282014314

CSE B IV
 ASSIGNMENT-1
Planetary atmosphere and thermal structure
The thermal structure of a planet refers to the distribution of
temperature within a planet's interior, extending from its surface down
to its core. This structure is determined by various factors, including the
planet's age, composition, size, and the heat sources and sinks within it.
Here's an overview of the thermal structure of a typical terrestrial
planet like Earth:

• Crust: The outermost layer of a planet is the crust. It is relatively

cool and varies in thickness depending on the planet. On Earth,
the crust is composed of solid rock and can range from a few
kilometers to over 70 kilometers in thickness. The temperature
increases with depth into the crust, but it's relatively cool
compared to the deeper layers.
• Mantle: Beneath the crust lies the mantle. The mantle is a thick
layer of hot, semi-solid rock. It can extend for hundreds of
kilometers in depth. The temperature in the mantle increases with
depth due to the heat generated by the decay of radioactive
isotopes and heat from the planet's initial formation.
• Outer Core: For planets with a molten outer core, like Earth, the
next layer is the outer core. This layer consists of liquid or molten
material, primarily composed of iron and nickel. The outer core is
responsible for generating the planet's magnetic field, and it's
even hotter than the mantle due to the presence of molten
materials.
  Inner Core: The innermost layer is the core, which can be further
divided into the outer core and the inner core. The inner core is
solid and primarily composed of iron and nickel. It is extremely
hot, with temperatures reaching thousands of degrees Celsius.
The high temperatures are due to the immense pressure in the
planet's interior.

The temperature distribution within a planet's thermal structure is not

uniform. It varies depending on the depth and the planet's specific
properties. The heat within the planet is generated through several
processes:

• Radiogenic Heating: The decay of radioactive isotopes within the

planet's rocks contributes to heat production in the mantle and
crust.
• Primordial Heat: Heat left over from the planet's formation,
primarily the result of gravitational compression and the energy
released during the accretion of planetary materials.
• Conduction: The transfer of heat from hotter regions to cooler
regions within the solid portions of the planet.
• Convection: The movement of material in the mantle due to
density differences caused by variations in temperature.
Convection currents play a crucial role in shaping the planet's
surface through processes like plate tectonics.

The thermal structure of a planet not only influences geological and

tectonic processes but also plays a significant role in the planet's overall
climate and habitability. Understanding a planet's thermal structure is
essential in fields such as geology, planetary science, and the search for
habitable environments beyond Earth.
Atmospheric layers are characterized by variations in temperature
resulting primarily from the absorption of solar radiation; visible light at
the surface, near ultraviolet radiation in the middle atmosphere, and far
ultraviolet radiation in the upper atmosphere.
Certainly, let's delve deeper into the factors and implications of a
planet's thermal structure:

• Radioactive Decay: Radioactive isotopes like uranium, thorium,

and potassium within a planet's rocks and minerals release heat as
they decay over time. This radiogenic heating is a significant heat
source for the planet's interior.
• Primordial Heat: Planets accumulate heat during their formation
as gravitational potential energy is converted into thermal energy.
The more massive a planet is, the more heat it retains from its
formation.
• Tidal Heating: In the case of planets with moons or close orbits
around a star, gravitational interactions can generate heat through
tidal forces. This phenomenon is particularly important for
celestial bodies like Jupiter's moon Io.
• Solar Heating: While the primary source of heat for a planet's
surface is its host star, this heat does not significantly influence
the planet's internal thermal structure. It mainly affects the
planet's surface temperature and climate.
• Convection in the Mantle: The mantle's convection currents are
driven by the temperature difference between the hot interior
and the cooler outer layers. These currents can move material
upward, creating volcanic activity, and downward, leading to the
subduction of tectonic plates. Convection within the mantle also
contributes to the mixing of materials, influencing the
composition of volcanic rocks and minerals.
 • Influence on Geology and Plate Tectonics: A planet's thermal
structure plays a vital role in shaping its geological features. For
instance, Earth's plate tectonics, mountain building, and volcanic
activity are all consequences of its thermal structure. On planets
with active plate tectonics, the movement and interaction of
tectonic plates are influenced by the temperature distribution
within the planet.
• Magnetic Field Generation: In the case of Earth, the motion of
molten iron in the outer core generates the planet's magnetic
field. This magnetic field shields the planet from harmful solar
radiation and plays a crucial role in the habitability of the planet.
• Planetary Habitability: The thermal structure of a planet has
significant implications for its potential habitability. A stable,
relatively cool surface and a diverse range of geological processes
can create favorable conditions for life to thrive.

Understanding a planet's thermal history can help scientists assess its

potential habitability by considering factors such as the availability of
liquid water and the presence of suitable conditions for life.In summary,
a planet's thermal structure is a complex interplay of various factors,
including heat sources, convection processes, and geologic activity. It
not only influences the planet's geological features but also has a direct
impact on its potential for habitability and the development of a
magnetic field.
 ASSIGNMENT-2
Planetary atmosphere and thermal structure
The thermal structure of a planetary atmosphere refers to the
distribution of temperature with altitude or depth within a planet's
gaseous envelope. It is an essential aspect of understanding a planet's
climate, weather, and overall atmospheric behavior. The thermal
structure of a planetary atmosphere can vary significantly from one
celestial body to another, depending on factors such as its composition,
distance from the host star, and the presence of greenhouse gases.
Here's an overview of the key aspects of a planetary atmosphere's
thermal structure:

1. Troposphere:

- The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, closest to

the planet's surface.

- In most cases, the troposphere's temperature decreases with

increasing altitude, a phenomenon known as the environmental
lapse rate. This decrease in temperature is primarily due to the
decreasing air pressure and the adiabatic cooling as air rises.

- The troposphere is where weather phenomena occur, including

clouds, precipitation, and the mixing of air masses.
2. Stratosphere:

- Above the troposphere is the stratosphere. In this layer, the

temperature generally increases with altitude.

- The increase in temperature is primarily due to the presence of

ozone (O3) in the stratosphere, which absorbs and scatters
ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the host star (e.g., the Sun).

- The stratopause is the boundary between the troposphere and

stratosphere.

3. Mesosphere:

- Beyond the stratosphere, the mesosphere is characterized by a

decrease in temperature with altitude. It is the coldest layer of
the atmosphere.

- The mesosphere extends to a region known as the mesopause.

4. Thermosphere:

- The thermosphere is the layer where temperatures increase

dramatically with altitude, primarily due to the absorption of
highenergy solar radiation.

- It's important to note that despite the high temperatures in the

thermosphere, the extremely low density of the atmosphere in
this region means that it would feel very cold to a human due to
the lack of significant heat transfer.
5. Exosphere

- The exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere, where

atoms and molecules can escape into space. It represents the
boundary between the atmosphere and the vacuum of space.

The thermal structure of a planetary atmosphere is influenced by

several factors, including:

• Composition: The type and concentration of gases in the

atmosphere play a crucial role. Greenhouse gases, like carbon
dioxide and water vapor, can trap heat and lead to warmer surface
temperatures.
• Distance from the Host Star: The amount of solar radiation a
planet receives is determined by its distance from the host star.
Planets closer to the star tend to have higher surface
temperatures.
• Atmospheric Pressure: The pressure of the atmosphere affects the
lapse rate and, consequently, the temperature distribution.
• Planetary Albedo: The reflectivity of the planet's surface (albedo)
can also impact temperature. A high-albedo planet reflects more
solar radiation and may have a cooler surface.

Understanding the thermal structure of a planetary atmosphere is

essential for predicting climate, weather patterns, and potential
habitability. It is a key consideration in the study of exoplanets and the
search for Earth-like conditions on other celestial bodies.