Physics
Scientific paper
Nov 1984
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1984natur.312..136c&link_type=abstract
Nature (ISSN 0028-0836), vol. 312, Nov. 8, 1984, p. 136-138.
Physics
77
Atmospheric Chemistry, Atmospheric Models, Planetary Ionospheres, Saturn Atmosphere, Saturn Rings, Water Vapor, Charge Exchange, Chemical Reactions, Hydrogen Ions, Ion Production Rates, Ionospheric Electron Density, Positive Ions
Scientific paper
A radically different model of Saturn's ionosphere is proposed in which water plays a major role as a minor constituent present by downward diffusion from an external source. The model ionosphere is a classical F2 type layer resulting from the photodissociative production of H(+) from H2 and rapid chemical loss by a series of charge exchange reactions with water. A planet-wide influx of about 4 x 10 to the 7th molecules/sq cm/s of water from the rings is consistent with the observed ionospheric electron densities. An enhanced influx of water occurs at latitudes (-38, +44 deg) connected magnetically at the inner edge of Saturn's B ring, where an electromagnetic erosion process takes place. The present-day influx at these latitudes may be as large as 2 x 10 to the 9th molecules/sq cm/s.
Connerney Jack E. P.
Waite H. Jr. J..
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