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S. Lebonnois, E. L. O. Bakes, C. P. McKay (NASA ARC)
While microphysical models predict a production zone and rate for the smallest aerosol particles, in order to match observational constraints, the link between photochemistry and this production is still mostly unknown. Based on polymers observed in the experimental production of tholins, we have built a parameterized scheme to link the initial reactions of different types of polymers to the production rate of aerosol precursors. We can then evaluate the production rate profile of the polymers in Titan's atmosphere.
In addition, we are also studying the impact of hydrogen recombination on the surface of aerosols on Titan's stratospheric composition. This affects the atomic hydrogen concentrations in the stratosphere, and therefore several chemical schemes.
This work is a first step toward a real coupling between photochemistry and aerosol microphysics.
This work was performed while S. Lebonnois held a National Research Council Research Associateship Award at NASA Ames Research Center. E.L.O. Bakes thanks NASA's Exobiology Program for her support in this research.