Giant Planets of Our Solar System: Atmospheres, Composition, and Structure (Springer Praxis Books)

This book reviews the current state of knowledge of the atmospheres of the giant gaseous planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The current theories of their formation are reviewed and their recently observed temperature, composition and cloud structures are contrasted and compared with simple thermodynamic, radiative transfer and dynamical models. The instruments and techniques that have been used to remotely measure their atmospheric properties are also reviewed, and the likely development of outer planet observations over the next two decades is outlined. This second edition has been extensively updated following the Cassini mission results for Jupiter/Saturn and the newest ground-based measurements for Uranus/Neptune as well as on the latest development in the theories on planet formation. Formation Of The Giant Planets -- Evolution Processes In Outer Planet Atmospheres -- Vertical Structure Of Temperature, Composition, And Clouds -- Dynamical Processes -- Radiative Transfer Processes In Outer Planetary Atmospheres -- Sources Of Remotely Sensed Data On The Giant Planets -- Future Of Giant Planet Observations. Patrick G.j. Irwin. Previous Ed.: Berlin; London: Springer/praxis, 2003. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Reviews the state of knowledge of the atmospheres of the giant gaseous planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. This work reviews the theories of their formation and contrasts their observed temperature, composition and cloud structures and compares with simple thermodynamic, radiative transfer and dynamical models A comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge about the atmospheres, composition and structure of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, this title attempts to give a balanced comparison between the various theories and models