Abstract

Thermal Gradients on Planetary Bodies and the Molar Mass Ideal Gas Law

Author(s): Robert IH

It has always been complicated mathematically, to calculate the average near surface atmospheric temperature on planetary bodies with a thick atmosphere. Usually, the Stefan Boltzmann (S-B) black body law is used to provide the effective temperature, then debate arises about the size or relevance of additional complicating factors, including the albedo and the greenhouse effect. Presented here is a simple and reliable method of accurately calculating the average near surface atmospheric temperature on planetary bodies which possess a surface atmospheric pressure of over 10 KPa. The formula used is the molar mass version of the ideal gas law. This method requires a gas constant and the measurement of only three gas parameters; the average near-surface atmospheric pressure, the average near surface atmospheric density and the average mean molar mass of the near-surface atmosphere.