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The Rotation of Venus: Part I. Atmospheric Tides. Part II. Obliquity and Evolution

Citation

Dobrovolskis, Anthony Robert (1979) The Rotation of Venus: Part I. Atmospheric Tides. Part II. Obliquity and Evolution. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/0g1y-7e13. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06142024-220229869

Abstract

Earth-based radar observations reveal that the surface of Venus rotates very slowly in the retrograde sense, Tides raised by the sun in the body of Venus tend to slow its rotation further. The spin of Venus might be in a steady state if thermal tides in the atmosphere balance the tidal torque on the crust. Part I of this dissertation presents a quantitative theory of atmospheric tides applicable to Venus. It is found that the thermal tide is capable of maintaining the rotation of Venus in its current state indefinitely.

Part II examines the effects of obliquity, the frequency­ dependence of the tides, core-mantle coupling, possible resonances, and other phenomena. It appears most likely that Venus originated with an obliquity greater than 90°.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Planetary Science and Astronomy)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Geological and Planetary Sciences
Major Option:Planetary Sciences
Minor Option:Astronomy
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Ingersoll, Andrew P.
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:25 August 1978
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
NASANGL 05-002-003
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:06142024-220229869
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06142024-220229869
DOI:10.7907/0g1y-7e13
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:16523
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Tony Diaz
Deposited On:18 Jun 2024 21:15
Last Modified:18 Jun 2024 21:17

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