Sulfur chemistry in the middle atmosphere of Venus

Venus Express measurements of the vertical profiles of SO and SO2 in the middle atmosphere of Venus provide an opportunity to revisit the sulfur chemistry above the middle cloud tops (∼58 km). A one dimensional photochemistry-diffusion model is used to simulate the behavior of the whole chemical system including oxygen-, hydrogen-, chlorine-, sulfur-, and nitrogen-bearing species. A sulfur source is required to explain the SO2 inversion layer above 80 km. The evaporation of the aerosols composed of sulfuric acid (model A) or polysulfur (model B) above 90 km could provide the sulfur source. Measurements of SO3 and SO (a1Δ → X3Σ-) emission at 1.7 μm may be the key to distinguish between the two models.

► We use a 1-D photochemistry-diffusion model to simulate the chemical system in the middle atmosphere of Venus.
► A sulfur source is required to explain the SO and SO2 profiles observed by Venus Express.
► The evaporation of the aerosols composed of sulfuric acid or polysulfur above 90 km could provide the sulfur source.
► Measurements of SO3 abundance and SO (a1Δ → X3Σ-) emission at 1.7 μm may be the key to distinguish between the two models.