Deuterium enrichment in the primitive ices of the protosolar nebula.
We have estimated the D/H ratio that may have been present in the primitive ices in the protosolar nebula.  Using observations of the CH3D/CH4 ratio in the outer planets, we developed two simple but limiting models which constrain the amount of dilution that deuterated volatiles which were contributed to the planetary atmospheres by evaporated primordial ices may have undergone by mixing with the original hydrogen envelopes.  The models suggest that the D/H ratio in these ices was probably somewhere between a few times 10(-4) and 10(-3).  These planetary-atmosphere-derived results are compared with other solar system bodies thought to contain primitive material and with D/H ratios observed in interstellar polyatomic molecules.
Lutz
B L
BL
Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001, USA.
Owen
T
T
De Bergh
C
C
D001272:Atmosphere; D003903:Deuterium / Q000032:analysis*; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000032:analysis; D007053:Ice / Q000032:analysis*; D008697:Methane / Q000032:analysis; D008956:Models, Chemical; D018541:Neptune; D016082:Solar System; D018540:Uranus
D007053:Ice; D006859:Hydrogen; D003903:Deuterium; D008697:Methane