Model Studies of the Polar Ionosphere
Abstract
This report presents modifications and additions to an ionospheric chemistry computer program that models the high latitude-polar cap ionosphere (1-dimensional along a magnetic field line; 100-600 km altitude). Interest centers on effects of soft (1 kev) electron fluxes typically observed precipitating into the polar cap ionosphere. Major changes involved incorporating an existing Q + diffusion code with the Strickland local (E region) ionospheric chemistry code and the addition of electron and ion temperature calculations based on the diffusion code also included are calculations of Hall and Pedersen electric conductivities and a separate program that determines electric currents in the ionosphere based on the model result; these were used in conjunction with measurements from the PIIE rocket campaign in Feb 1985. Some details of the numerical methods used in the various calculations are given, as well as an overview of the programming logic and a step-by-step description of program execution. The Strickland flux transport program that calculates production rates input to the chemistry model remains essentially unchanged but, a new parameterization scheme was developed that could have applications to global problems requiring a large number of flux calculations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 21, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA206821
Entities
People
- Robert E. Sheehan
Organizations
- Boston College