Stormtime subauroral density troughs: Ion-molecule kinetics effects

Details Stormtime subauroral density troughs: Ion-molecule kinetics effects Stormtime subauroral density troughs: Ion-molecule kinetics effects

Oct 2004

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004jgra..10910301m&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 109, Issue A10, CiteID A10301

Physics

8

Ionosphere: Ionosphere/Magnetosphere Interactions (2736), Ionosphere: Ionospheric Disturbances, Ionosphere: Plasma Temperature And Density, Ionosphere: Topside Ionosphere, Magnetospheric Physics: Plasmasphere

Scientific paper

We report on subauroral plasma density troughs observed by Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites during the major magnetic storm of 6 April 2000. The troughs were embedded within strongly irregular, >=500-km wide subauroral convection streams, composed of two distinctive parts. The poleward part coincided with strong wave structures, energetic (ring current) ion precipitations, and enhanced vertical ion flows. One or several narrow density decreases were present here. The equatorward part was marked by a density trough coincident with a local maximum of the electron temperature ~7000-9000 K. Here the ion temperatures and downward vertical ion velocities were ~2000 K and <20 m/s, respectively. The mean convection velocity was typically <=500 m/s. We develop analytical approximations for the rate coefficients of the charge exchange reactions based on recent laboratory experiments. These have been used in local modeling of the equatorward F peak density depletions. Topside steady-state density profiles were evaluated assuming diffusive equilibrium in a given Te profile. A scenario for the transition of an initial density-height profile to a flat profile is described. Substantial agreement between the modeling results and DMSP observations indicates that the vibrational mechanism contributes significantly to the formation of high-Te-related density troughs.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Stormtime subauroral density troughs: Ion-molecule kinetics effects 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 Stormtime subauroral density troughs: Ion-molecule kinetics effects, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Stormtime subauroral density troughs: Ion-molecule kinetics effects will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-847026