Model calculations of electron precipitation induced ionization patches on the nightside of Mars

Details Model calculations of electron precipitation induced ionization patches on the nightside of Mars Model calculations of electron precipitation induced ionization patches on the nightside of Mars

Jun 2007

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007georl..3412101f&link_type=abstract

Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 34, Issue 12, CiteID L12101

Computer Science

Sound

10

Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Ionospheres (2459), Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Mars, Ionosphere: Modeling And Forecasting, Ionosphere: Particle Precipitation, Radio Science: Radio Wave Propagation

Scientific paper

Using an electron transport model, we investigate the effect of electron precipitation on the electron density and total electron content in the nightside ionosphere of Mars. As input we use Mars Global Surveyor observations of a typical tail electron spectrum and an auroral-like electron spectrum. The accelerated electron spectrum increases the maximum number density and total electron content by a factor of 3 over that produced by the typical tail spectrum. Our calculations show a secondary electron density peak due to precipitation of several keV electrons not seen in previous modeling efforts. Regions of enhanced ionization are expected to be localized in space, corresponding to magnetic cusps formed by the interaction of crustal sources with the interplanetary magnetic field. Radio and radar measurements from both Mars Global Surveyor and Mars Express agree with this expectation. The horizontally inhomogeneous regions of ionization can affect signals used for subsurface sounding from orbit.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Model calculations of electron precipitation induced ionization patches on the nightside of Mars does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Model calculations of electron precipitation induced ionization patches on the nightside of Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Model calculations of electron precipitation induced ionization patches on the nightside of Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-879510