Atmosphere Modeling: If G Doubles, How Tall?

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    Atmosphere Modeling
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hypothetical scenario of doubling the acceleration due to gravity (g) on Earth and its implications for the height of the atmosphere. Participants explore theoretical considerations, assumptions about atmospheric properties, and the practical relevance of such a question.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if g were doubled, and assuming no change in total atmospheric mass or temperature, the atmosphere would be half as thick.
  • Another participant argues that atmospheric scientists typically do not consider the height of the atmosphere in practical terms, suggesting it grades imperceptibly into outer space without a fixed boundary.
  • A later reply reiterates the idea that the height of the atmosphere may not have practical value, comparing it to a riddle about the length of a piece of string.
  • Additionally, the concept of "scale height" is mentioned as a useful measure in relation to the original question, along with other relevant atmospheric concepts like the top of the tropopause.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance and implications of the question, with no consensus reached on the practical significance of determining the height of the atmosphere under the given conditions.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions include the constancy of total atmospheric mass and temperature, as well as the lack of a defined boundary for the atmosphere. The discussion also highlights the ambiguity surrounding the concept of atmospheric height.

abelthayil
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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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