Chemical models of the deep atmosphere of Uranus

The authors present results of the first set of comprehensive thermochemical calculations on the chemistry of the deep atmosphere of Uranus. The calculations include: (1) ideal gas thermochemical equilibrium calculations for several hundred gases of the most abundant and volatile elements, (2) real gas thermodynamic corrections, (3) condensation of cloud-forming materials, (4) effects of cloud formation on the chemistry, structure, and dynamics of the deep atmosphere, and (5) thermochemical kinetics of the important destruction reactions for potential chemical probes (e.g., N2, PH3, GeH4, CO, CO2, HCN) of the deep atmosphere. The results indicate that the atmosphere of Uranus may be enriched 100 - 1000 times in ice- and rock-forming elements relative to solar abundances.