The Non-Homogeneous Accumulation Model for Terrestrial Planet Formation and the Consequences for the Atmosphere of Venus

Abstract

The non-homogeneous accumulation model for the formation of the terrestrial planets is described and its consequences for the formation of the Venusian atmosphere are assayed in the context of our knowledge of the composition of the Earth and carbonaceous chondrites. The relative abundances of the low temperature condensibles in the reservoirs at the Earth's surface are applied to Venus. Although carbonaceous chondrites show similar properties for the chemically bound elements, they show large deficiencies for the rare gases. The major gases on Venus, by volume, are predicted to be 98.12% CO₂, 1.86% N₂ and 0.02% Ar⁴⁰.