The electron thermal structure in the dayside Martian ionosphere implied by the MGS radio occultation data
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Published version
Author(s)
Cui, J
Galand, M
Zhang, SJ
Vigren, E
Zou, H
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We propose a revised Chapman model for the ionosphere of Mars by allowing for vertical variation of electron temperature. An approximate energy balance between solar EUV heating and CO2 collisional cooling is applied in the dayside Martian ionosphere, analogous to the method recently proposed by Withers et al. (2014). The essence of the model is to separate the contributions of the neutral and electron thermal structures to the apparent width of the main ionospheric layer. Application of the model to the electron density profiles from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) radio occultation measurements reveals a clear trend of elevated electron temperature with increasing solar zenith angle (SZA). It also reveals that the characteristic length scale for the change of electron temperature with altitude decreases with increasing SZA. These observations may imply enhanced topside heat influx near the terminator, presumably an outcome of the solar wind interactions with the Martian upper atmosphere. Our analysis also reveals a tentative asymmetry in electron temperature between the northern and southern hemispheres, consistent with the scenario of elevated electron temperature within minimagnetospheres.
Date Issued
2015-02-25
Date Acceptance
2015-01-15
Citation
Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 2015, 120 (2), pp.278-286
ISSN
2169-9100
Publisher
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Start Page
278
End Page
286
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets
Volume
120
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
©2015. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Martian ionosphere
Chapman theory
electron temperature
MARS GLOBAL SURVEYOR
DENSITY PROFILES ANALYSIS
MAGNETIC-FIELD
MONOCHROMATIC RADIATION
UPPER-ATMOSPHERE
ROTATING EARTH
ABSORPTION
EXPRESS
TEMPERATURES
MODEL
Publication Status
Published