Physics
Scientific paper
Jun 1981
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1981jgr....86.4739g&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 86, June 1, 1981, p. 4739-4750. Research supported by the Swiss National Science Foundati
Physics
29
Ionic Diffusion, Ionospheric Ion Density, Oxygen Ions, Positive Ions, Thermal Diffusion, Abundance, Atmospheric Models, Ionospheric Propagation, Numerical Integration, Plasmasphere
Scientific paper
Attention is given to the idea that thermal diffusion of O(++), driven by the temperature gradient between the ionosphere and equatorial plasmasphere, is responsible for the observed values (unity and above) of the O(++)/O(+) abundance ratio. The study is carried out by numerically integrating the time dependent diffusion equation for equinox conditions. Recent plasmaspheric data from the GEOS-1 spacecraft are incorporated into a realistic model of the temperature and densities of major ion species extending from the ionosphere to the equatorial plane. Convection as well as local time variations and details of ion chemistry are included in the model. The principal conclusion is that only thermal diffusion can account for observations of O(++)/O(+) approximately equal to one in the equatorial plasmasphere. In addition, it is found that there is a threshold temperature gradient between ionosphere and equatorial plasmasphere, corresponding to an equatorial temperature at L 3 of approximately 5000 K, below which thermal diffusion becomes ineffective.
Geiss Johannes
Young Toby D.
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