Composition and Chemistry of the Atmospheres of Terrestrial Planets: Venus, the Earth, Mars, and Titan

Abstract

In spite of noticeable differences, the atmospheres of the rocky, icy, and gaseous planets of the Solar System share common physico-chemical processes which drive their thermal and cloud structure, their general circulation, and their global climate. These processes are described in the first part of this review. In the second part, we discuss the formation scenario of the terrestrial planets, the atmospheric composition, and chemistry of Venus, the Earth, and Mars. The atmosphere of Titan is described in a third part, with special emphasis on its analogy with the early Earth and its exobiological implications.