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Mechanisms and observations for isotope fractionation of molecular species in planetary atmospheres
Author(s) -
Kaye Jack A.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
reviews of geophysics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.087
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1944-9208
pISSN - 8755-1209
DOI - 10.1029/rg025i008p01609
Subject(s) - astrobiology , isotope fractionation , atmosphere (unit) , uranus , isotope , mass independent fractionation , titan (rocket family) , fractionation , atmospheric chemistry , atmospheric escape , chemistry , mars exploration program , planet , physics , astrophysics , meteorology , ozone , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics
Chemical and physical processes which may give rise to isotope fractionation of molecular species in the atmospheres of both Earth and other planets are reviewed, along with observations of isotopically substituted molecules in planetary atmospheres. Mechanisms for production of isotope fractionation considered include escape and effect of isotope substitution on equilibrium constants (including those of phase changes), photolysis rates, and chemical reaction rates. The isotopes considered for compounds in the terrestrial atmosphere include D, T, 13 C, 14 C, 15 N, 18 O, and 34 S. Compounds for which data about isotopic composition in the terrestrial atmosphere are summarized include CO, CO 2 , O 3 , N 2 O, NH 3 , SO 2 , H 2 S, H 2 O, H, H 2 , and CH 4 . Planetary atmospheres discussed include those of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Titan; isotopes reviewed are D, 13 C, 15 N, and 18 O. Suggestions for additional research in the area of isotopically substituted molecules in atmospheres are offered.