Metallic Ions and Atoms in the Upper Atmosphere

Abstract

The main focus of research under AFOSR Grant F49620-92-J-0092 is to investigate the global and local transport of metallic ions in the upper atmosphere, in particular the layering of ionization, through use of comprehensive numerical models which account for realistic meteoric sources, chemical conversions and sinks, and transport by molecular and eddy diffusion, winds, and electric fields. The ultimate goal is to better understand the mechanisms producing ionization layers, and ultimately the seasonal, latitudinal, local time, and temporal variations in the occurrences of ionization layers. Plasma layering can affect HF communications by introducing new reflection paths thus complicating the propagating modes, and presumably in extreme cases by producing blanketing effects. In addition, plasma irregularities may also accompany the sharp gradients characterizing the plasma layers.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 15, 1992
Accession Number
ADA259741

Entities

People

  • Jeffrey M. Forbes
  • R. G. Roble

Organizations

  • Boston University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Atmospheres
  • Chemistry
  • Diffusion
  • Electric Fields
  • Electron Density
  • Electrons
  • Engineering
  • Gravity Waves
  • High Resolution
  • Ion Density
  • Ionization
  • Ions
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Simulations
  • Transport Ships
  • Two Dimensional
  • Wind

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers
  • Plasma Physics.