- #1
willstaruss22
- 108
- 1
I understand that some water vapor escapes into space but what's the amount say per year?
What the escape rate of water vapor into space?
In summary, the dominant loss mechanism for Earth's atmosphere is not escape into space, but sequestration in the hydrosphere and lithosphere. The amount of water vapor that escapes into space each year is negligible and difficult to estimate, as hydrogen and oxygen loss is unlikely to occur in intact molecules. However, it is predicted that there may be a greater loss of water in the distant future due to a change in the Sun's brightness.
- #2
tiny-tim
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 25,839
- 258
hi willstaruss22! 
seems to be negligible: from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmosp...tmospheric_escape_and_loss_processes_on_Earth …
seems to be negligible: from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmosp...tmospheric_escape_and_loss_processes_on_Earth …
Because of the temperature regime of Earth, CO2 and H2O are sequestered in the hydrosphere and lithosphere.
…
Because of the temperature regime of Earth, CO2 and H2O are sequestered in the hydrosphere and lithosphere. H2O vapor is sequestered as liquid H2O in oceans, greatly decreasing the atmospheric density.
…
Therefore, the dominant “loss” mechanism of Earth's atmosphere is not escape to space, but sequestration.
…
Because of the temperature regime of Earth, CO2 and H2O are sequestered in the hydrosphere and lithosphere. H2O vapor is sequestered as liquid H2O in oceans, greatly decreasing the atmospheric density.
…
Therefore, the dominant “loss” mechanism of Earth's atmosphere is not escape to space, but sequestration.
- #3
bascule
- 3
- 0
I think that you would be very hard put to get a figure for the loss. This article ( http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-planets-lose-their-atmospheres ) which is referenced from the Wikipedia Atmospheric Escape article ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_escape ) is quite interesting.
One interesting thing to take away from it is that while there might by hydrogen and oxygen loss it's very unlikely that full molecules of water escape from the atmosphere intact.
If you read to the end you will see that there are estimates that when the Sun becomes 10% brighter in a billion years time then there will start to be greater water loss but it will take another billion years to lose most of the water. So you can imagine that the rate of water loss at the moment is quite low.
One interesting thing to take away from it is that while there might by hydrogen and oxygen loss it's very unlikely that full molecules of water escape from the atmosphere intact.
If you read to the end you will see that there are estimates that when the Sun becomes 10% brighter in a billion years time then there will start to be greater water loss but it will take another billion years to lose most of the water. So you can imagine that the rate of water loss at the moment is quite low.
1. What factors affect the escape rate of water vapor into space?
The escape rate of water vapor into space is affected by several factors including the temperature and density of the atmosphere, the strength of the planet's magnetic field, and the intensity of solar radiation. These factors can vary greatly between different planets and can have a significant impact on the amount of water vapor that escapes into space.
2. How is the escape rate of water vapor into space measured?
The escape rate of water vapor into space is typically measured using remote sensing techniques such as satellite observations and spectroscopy. These methods allow scientists to study the composition and movement of water vapor in a planet's atmosphere and track its escape into space over time.
3. What is the importance of understanding the escape rate of water vapor into space?
Understanding the escape rate of water vapor into space is crucial for understanding the evolution of a planet's atmosphere and its potential habitability. It can also provide insights into the water cycle and how water is distributed throughout a planet's surface.
4. How does the escape rate of water vapor into space impact the planet's water supply?
The escape rate of water vapor into space can have a significant impact on the planet's water supply. If the rate of escape is high, it can lead to a depletion of water resources, while a lower rate may allow for the retention of water and the potential for liquid water on the planet's surface.
5. Can the escape rate of water vapor into space be affected by human activity?
While human activity can have an impact on the amount of water vapor in a planet's atmosphere, it is unlikely to have a significant effect on the escape rate of water vapor into space. The factors that influence this rate are largely natural and driven by the planet's physical properties and external forces such as solar radiation.
Similar threads
-
Earth Sciences
-
Thermodynamics
-
Mechanical Engineering
-
Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
-
Introductory Physics Homework Help
-
Thermodynamics