Insights on Venus’Cloud Top Chemistry, Convective Activity and Topographyfrom HST

Abstract : Based on the HSTobserved LST and latitude albedo variations we conclude that topography impacts the vertical distribution of Venus’ unidentified absorber(s) through both large and small-scale mixing processes. As this (these) species have a direct impact on Venus’ radiative balance, climate and cloud super-rotation, we strongly advocate for future observations that can uniquely and contemporaneously characterize Venus’ cloud top albedo and chemistry relative to Venus’ underlying surface topography and zonal cloud motions