Student Project - Coupled one-dimensional numerical models of the chemistry in Venus' atmosphere
ANU Area(s)
RSPE
Research Fields:
Astrophysics
Atomic and Molecular Physics
Environmental Physics
Project Details
The existing one-dimensional version of the Caltech/Jet Propulsion Laboratory photochemical model for Venus is a global-average. The day and night side chemical processes are significantly different due to the presence of energetic photons on the day side that can cause molecules to dissociate (photodissociation). Consequently, an important next step in understanding the chemistry in Venus' atmosphere is to separately simulate the day and night side chemical processes. However, observations indicate there is strong coupling between the day and night sides through transport of species via both the zonal (east to west) and subsolar to antisolar circulations and these couplings are responsible for important observed phenomena. Thus, these transport linkages between the day and night sides need to incorporated in an automated manner into the coupling between the day and night side models. This project will examine altenative schemes for coupling multiple instances of the one-dimensional model, select the most promising, write the necessary code to implement the scheme, and test it to assess its accuracy and performance.
Required Background
A numerical modelling course and programming experience (any language or type).
Project Suitability
This research project can be tailored to suit students of the following type(s): 3rd Year, PhB, Honours, Vacation Scholars