ISSN:
1573-0794
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract Sublimation of minor gases from ices inside of a porous comet nucleus strongly depends on the effective energy input. Our model meant to describe the gas flux inside and out of the porous nucleus has been used to study the influence of physical and structural parameters on the effective energy input. We solve the conservation equations for H2O and CO as the most abundant minor component of higher volatility under appropriate boundary conditions. From the calculations we obtain the gas flux from volatile, icy components inside the porous nucleus, temperature profiles, changes in relative chemical abundances, and the gas flux into the coma for each of the volatiles. We will show results from our calculations for a model comet in the orbit of Hale-Bopp (C/1995 O1). In this paper we focus on the energy balance at the surface. We will also relate measurements of molecule fluxes to available energies and try to provide hints about the evolutionary status of the comet.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1006277417633
