Local sensitivity analysis for observed hydrocarbons in a Jupiter photochemistry model

A box model sensitivity analysis was applied to output from a version of the I-D JPL/Caltech KINETICS photochemistry-transport model of Jupiter's atmosphere. Results quantify the controllin g chemical reaction parameters for the variety of observable hydrocarbons, and suggest changes to explore and new observations and rate measurements to pursue. High sensitivities are found to photolysis steps and to several hydrogen atom recombination steps and product branches. Complexity ranges from the relatively simple scheme seen for the methyl radical, to the rich variety of reactions tested by diacetylene. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.