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[33.26] Modeling of the 3.3-\mum emissions of Methane in the Atmosphere of Mars

F. J. Martin-Torres (AS&M, Inc. -NASA Langley Research Center), M. G. Mlynczak (NASA Langley Research Center)

Three models (a general multilevel model, a 3-level and a 2-level simplified models) of the 3.3-\mum infrared emissions of methane in the atmosphere of Mars have been carried out and the results are presented. This modeling considers the effects of non-Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium (non-LTE) in the population of the vibrational states of methane and is oriented to assess their potential impact on the remote sensing of this gas. Non-LTE effects have not been considered in the recent interpretation of measurements for the inference of CH4 abundances in the atmosphere of Mars. Our results indicate that, at nighttime, the vibrational levels responsible for the major emissions of CH4 at 3.3-\mum are found to be in LTE. Nevertheless, at daytime, the effects of non-LTE in the population of the CH4 vibrational populations are significant as a consequence of solar direct excitation by absorption at 3.3-mm. The effects derived from the uncertainties on the parameters of the models will be presented.

The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: fn.f.martin-torres@larc.nasa.gov

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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 37 #3
© 2004. The American Astronomical Soceity.