Calculations Pertaining to the Energy Balance and Plasma Motions in the Ionosphere.
Abstract
Under the present contract, a research effort was undertaken to develop theoretical and computational techniques pertaining to the energy balance and plasma motions in the ionosphere. Emphasis has been placed on the utilization of available satellite data as input to the calculations and as a test of the validity of the theoretical methods. The effect of ambipolar diffusion on the 0(+) concentration profile has been investigated. Calculations show that diffusive transport produces qualitative agreement between observed and calculated profiles. Additional applications are required to produce definitive results. Procedures for the calculation of the rate of energy deposition by solar EUV flux and of the rate of photoionization of the principal atmospheric constituents have been revised. The associated computer codes have been modified or rewritten. The atomic and molecular cross sections utilized by these codes have been updated. The total photoionization cross section of atomic oxygen was revised significantly. Branching ratios for the photoionization of N sub 2 and O sub 2 are substantially different from those used previously. Future work undertaken under contract F19628-78-C-0047 will incorporate electric fields into the transport equations. The study of the spectrum of secondary electrons produced by energetic precipitating particles will be continued under the new contract. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA058684
Entities
People
- Alex Dalgarno
- Eustratios Constantinides
Organizations
- Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory