Atmosphere Modeling: If G Doubles, How Tall?

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SUMMARY

If the acceleration due to gravity (g) were to double on Earth, the atmosphere would be half as thick, assuming no changes in total atmospheric mass or temperature. Atmospheric scientists generally do not focus on the exact height of the atmosphere, as it is considered to grade imperceptibly into outer space without a definitive boundary. The concept of "scale height" is relevant in this context, as well as the understanding of the tropopause, which marks the transition between the troposphere and the stratosphere.

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  • Understanding of atmospheric science concepts
  • Familiarity with scale height in atmospheric modeling
  • Knowledge of the tropopause and its significance
  • Basic principles of gravitational effects on atmospheric pressure
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  • Research the concept of scale height in atmospheric physics
  • Explore the characteristics and significance of the tropopause
  • Investigate the effects of varying gravitational forces on atmospheric composition
  • Study the transition from the troposphere to outer space in atmospheric models
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Atmospheric scientists, physicists, and anyone interested in the effects of gravity on atmospheric structure and behavior.

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If g (acceleration due to gravity) was double on Earth, how tall would our atmosphere be?
 
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Assuming no change in the total atmospheric mass or temperature, the Atmosphere would be half as thick.
 
Actually, most atmospheric scientists give no thought to how high the atmosphere might be. The assumption is that it grades imperceptibly into outer space, with no fixed interface. It does not appear to be a question whose answer would have any practical value.

Or, we might treat it like the old riddle, "How long is a piece of string?"

The correct answer is, "Twice the distance from the middle to one end!"
 
klimatos said:
Actually, most atmospheric scientists give no thought to how high the atmosphere might be. The assumption is that it grades imperceptibly into outer space, with no fixed interface. It does not appear to be a question whose answer would have any practical value.
The "scale height" is useful, though, along with other concepts related to the OP's question such as the top of the tropopause.
 

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