The Dew-Point / Frost-Point Anchor Framework: A Stabilizing Boundary Approach to Planetary Atmospheric Structure and Climate

We present a unified thermodynamic framework for planetary atmospheres based on observable phase-change boundaries. The Dew-Point Anchor Hypothesis (DPAH) anchors the lower troposphere at the Lifting Condensation Level (LCL), while the Frost-Point Anchor Hypothesis (FPAH) anchors the upper troposphere near the ~–40°C frost-point transition. Together, they define a dual-boundary structure in which surface temperature and outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) emerge as dependent variables governed by adiabatic lapse rates, hydrostatic equilibrium, and top-of-atmosphere energy balance. Building on a deconstruction of standard Earth energy budgets (Wilde & Mulholland, 2020), we show that internal radiant recycling imposes strict limits on temperature enhancement. The dual-anchor model emphasizes self-regulating hydrological processes, long-term persistence (Hurst phenomenon), and water dominance — offering a stabilizing alternative to destabilizing forcing-feedback narratives. Applications extend to Earth, Venus, Mars, Titan, and other worlds with condensable volatiles.