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Stability of Hydrogen Compounds on Venus

Nature volume 203, pages 625–626 (1964)Cite this article

Abstract

RECENT space probe measurements have confirmed that high-temperature conditions prevail in the lower atmosphere of Venus1. Since high temperatures favour the establishment of thermochemical equilibria, these observations require a revaluation of physical and chemical conditions on this planet. I have proposed large-scale interaction of the atmospheric gases and the minerals of the lithosphere to account for the observed atmospheric characteristics2, and it was demonstrated that the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere can be accounted for by decarbonation reactions at the inferred temperature of 700° K. In addition, it was proposed that the failure to observe hydrogen compounds is consistent with the expected high rate of escape of hydrogen and the comparatively high oxidation state of the atmosphere.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of the Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago,

    ROBERT F. MUELLER

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  1. ROBERT F. MUELLER
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MUELLER, R. Stability of Hydrogen Compounds on Venus. Nature 203, 625–626 (1964). https://doi.org/10.1038/203625a0

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