Other
Scientific paper
Dec 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009agufm.p11b1221t&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #P11B-1221
Other
[5421] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Interactions With Particles And Fields, [5435] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Ionospheres, [5440] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Magnetic Fields And Magnetism
Scientific paper
This study quantifies the factors controlling photoelectron fluxes on strong crustal field lines in the Martian ionosphere. Using data from Mars Global Surveyor’s Magnetometer and Electron Reflectometer instruments, we isolated dayside electron populations near the strong crustal fields in the southern hemisphere. We then compared the influence that different parameters such as F10.7, solar zenith angle, magnetic elevation angle, field strength, and others had on the flux of photoelectrons. We came to three interesting results: First, downwelling solar EUV radiation has the strongest influence on the photoelectron fluxes, and during different time periods this radiation has a stronger influence than at others times. Photoelectron fluxes doubled during a period from May ’01 to March ’02 with a minor increase in downwelling solar radiation. This is possibly explained by atmospheric enhancement due to a major dust storm during the enhanced time, but that is yet to be verified. Second, fluxes show a slight enhancement when the magnetic elevation angle is near zero degrees (horizontal field lines). This could be explained by differences in scattering and field line length. Finally, other parameters, such as pressure and magnetic field strength, seem to have no major influence. In conclusion, the only major parameter observed to influence photoelectron fluxes in this region were downwelling solar radiation, and that appears to be highly dependent on the background state of the Martian atmosphere.
Frank Jacki
Liemohn Michael W.
Mitchell Dana D.
Trantham M. R.
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