The CO$_2$ Profile and Analytical Model for the Pioneer Venus Large Probe Neutral Mass Spectrometer

TL;DR

This study provides an updated CO₂ altitude profile for Venus using a new analytical model for Pioneer Venus data, revealing potential lower atmospheric haze and inlet clogging effects.

Contribution

Developed a novel analytical model for LNMS spectra that disentangles isobaric species and accounts for instrument changes during descent.

Findings

Most complete CO₂ altitude profile to date for Venus.

Evidence of lower atmospheric haze and inlet clogging effects.

Correlation of CO₂ profile with spacecraft measurements.

Abstract

We present a significantly updated CO$_2$ altitude profile for Venus (64.2-0.9 km) and provide support for a potential deep lower atmospheric haze of particles (17 km and lower). We extracted this information by developing a new analytical model for mass spectra obtained by the Pioneer Venus Large Probe (PVLP) Neutral Mass Spectrometer (LNMS). Our model accounts for changes in LNMS configuration and output during descent and enables the disentanglement of isobaric species via a data fitting routine that adjusts for mass-dependent changes in peak shape. The model yields CO$_2$ in units of density (kg m-3), isotope ratios for $^{13}$C/$^{12}$C and $^{18}$O/$^{16}$O, and 14 measures of CO$_2$ density across 55.4-0.9 km, which represents the most complete altitude profile for CO$_2$ at 60 km towards the surface to date. The CO$_2$ density profile is also consistent with the pressure, temperature, and volumetric gas measurements from the PVLP and VeNeRa spacecraft. Nominal and low-noise operations for the LNMS mass analyzer are supported by the behaviors (e.g., ionization yields, fragmentation yields, and peak shapes) of several internal standards (e.g., CH$^{3+}$, CH$^{4+}$, $^{40}$Ar$^+$, $^{136}$Xe$^{2+}$, and $^{136}$Xe$^+$), which were tracked across the descent. Lastly, our review of the CO$_2$ profile and LNMS spectra reveals hitherto unreported partial and rapidly clearing clogs of the inlet in the lower atmosphere, along with several ensuing data spikes at multiple masses. Together, these observations suggest that atmospheric intake was impacted by particles at 17 km (and lower) and that rapid particle degradation at the inlet yielded a temporary influx of mass signals into the LNMS.