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Earth and Mars: Evolution of Atmospheres and Surface Temperatures

Carl Sagan and George MullenAuthors Info & Affiliations
Science
7 Jul 1972
Vol 177, Issue 4043
pp. 52-56
DOI: 10.1126/science.177.4043.52
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Abstract

Solar evolution implies, for contemporary albedos and atmospheric composition, global mean temperatures below the freezing point of seawater less than 2.3 aeons ago, contrary to geologic and paleontological evidence. Ammonia mixing ratios of the order of a few parts per million in the middle Precambrian atmosphere resolve this and other problems. Possible temperature evolutionary tracks for Earth and Mars are described. A runaway greenhouse effect will occur on Earth about 4.5 aeons from now, when clement conditions will prevail on Mars.

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Published In

Science
Volume 177 | Issue 4043
7 July 1972

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1972 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

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Published in print: 7 July 1972

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Carl Sagan
Laboratory for Planetary Studies, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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George Mullen
Laboratory for Planetary Studies, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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  • Carl Sagan,
  • George Mullen
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Earth and Mars: Evolution of Atmospheres and Surface Temperatures.Science177,52-56(1972).DOI:10.1126/science.177.4043.52

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