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Saturn'S Cloud Structure Inferred From Cassini Iss

Author
Roman, Michael
Abstract
Using high-resolution Cassini ISS images with wavelengths ranging from the ultraviolet to the near infrared, we have retrieved Saturn's atmospheric aerosol structure and properties for a broad range of latitudes in the southern hemisphere. The observations are consistent with two distinct layers of haze. Each layer is characterized by a vertical location, an optical depth, and a mean particle size, all of which vary with latitude. The tropospheric haze is optically thickest and extends to the greatest heights (~40 mbar) over the equator; its top surface is at significantly greater depths (~150 mbar ) at mid-latitudes. The height of the haze correlates well with position of the tropopause as indicated by the temperature field. Beneath this haze, we find a scattered denser cloud responsible for small-scale contrasts at an average depth of 1.75 ± 0.4 bar, with some features deeper than 2.5 bar.
Date Issued
2012-05-27Subject
Saturns Atmosphere; Vertical Structure; Clouds and Haze
Committee Chair
Gierasch, Peter Jay
Committee Member
Veverka, Joseph Frank; Hess, Peter George Mueller; Banfield, Donald J
Degree Discipline
Atmospheric Science
Degree Name
M.S., Atmospheric Science
Degree Level
Master of Science
Type
dissertation or thesis