The penetration of soft electrons into the ionosphere

Calculations are presented of energy spectra and angular and spatial distributions of electron fluxes in the ionosphere resulting from precipitation ofmonoenergetic (E = 25, 50 and 100 eV) electrons. The incident electrons are assumed to be isotropic over the downward direction. It is found that the resulting steady-state electron fluxes above ca. 300 km are highly anisotropic, and that the pitch angle distribution is energy dependent. About 15 per cent of the incident electrons are backscattered elastically to the protonosphere. A much larger number of electrons escape after they have deposited a part of their energy in the atmosphere. The mean energy of the escaping electrons is about half that of the incident electrons. About 50% of the incident energy is absorbed in the atmosphere, the remainder being returned to the protonosphere. The rate of absorption of energy is a maximum at heights between 300 and 400 km. Most of the energy is absorbed in ionization and excitation of atomic oxygen. An appreciable amount of energy is, however, absorbed as heat by the ambient electron gas. Altitude profiles are presented of the rates of ionization, excitation, and electron heating caused by soft electron precipitation.     

Plasma transport in the topside venus ionosphere

We have studied the extent to which certain transport processes affect ion composition and heat flow in the daytime, topside Venus ionosphere. Particular attention is given to the conditions that prevailed during the Mariner 5 measurements, at which time the topside Venus ionosphere appeared to be in a state of diffusive equilibrium. We have found that the ion composition is sensitive to the ion temperature, the ion temperature gradient, and to relative drifts between the ion species of a few $\text{m}\text{sec}$. The electron density, on the other hand, is very insensitive to these parameters. As a consequence, ionospheric models of the topside Venus ionosphere are not likely to yield definitive information about the ion composition, the thermal structure or the flow conditions, since at present only electron density profiles are available for testing model predictions. We have also found that a relative drift between the ion species of a few $\text{m}\text{sec}$ induces an ion heat flow that is equivalent to a $\text{1}\text{K}\text{km}$ temperature gradient. This induced heat flow could influence the energy balance in the topside Venus ionosphere.     

Theory of photoelectron thermalization and transport in the ionosphere

A new theoretical approach for calculating the equilibrium photoelectron flux energy and pitch angle distribution in the ionosphere is presented. Photoelectron transport, secondary electron production, and energy degradation by the excitation of the discrete energy states of the neutral atmospheric constituents and by continuous energy transfer to the ambient thermal electron gas are included in a manner consistent with the Boltzmann equation which constitutes the foundation of the theory. A difference equation, suitable for numerical solution, is given, and a numerical method for the solution of this equation is discussed in detail.     

Viscous flow properties in the transport of solar wind momentum to the Venus upper ionosphere

A comparative study of the viscous transport of solar wind momentum to the upper layers of the Venus ionosphere with that occurring within the trans-terminator flow leads to estimates of the ratio of the viscosity coefficients that are applicable to both cases. Support for viscous forces between the solar wind and the ionospheric plasma in the trans-terminator flow derives from the momentum flux balance between the momentum flux in the latter flow and the deficiency of solar wind momentum along the flanks of the ionosheath. By comparing the relative width of the viscous boundary layer in the Venus ionosheath and the width of the trans-terminator flow we find that the transport of momentum within the upper ionosphere proceeds at a rate similar to that at which momentum is delivered to the upper ionosphere from the solar wind. Comparable values are obtained for the viscosity coefficient of the solar wind that streams over the ionosphere and that implied from momentum transport within the ionospheric trans-terminator flow. It is further suggested that despite the different nature of the processes that give place to the viscous transport of the solar wind momentum to the upper ionosphere (wave-particle interactions) and those responsible for its distribution within the ionosphere (through coulombian collisions) there is a similar response in the behavior of both plasmas to momentum transport. Calculations show that with comparable values of the viscosity coefficient in the ionosheath and in the upper ionospheric plasma the mean free path suitable to wave-particle interactions in the ionosheath is of the same order of magnitude as the mean free path of the planetary O⁺ ions that interact through coulombian collisions in the upper ionosphere. The effects of this similarity are considered in the discussion.     

Observation of the energy distribution of thermal electrons in the midlatitude ionosphere

Results of measurements of the energy distribution of thermal electrons below 1 eV in a midlatitude upper atmosphere are presented and compared with some recent measurements at other places. Measurements are based on the Druyvesteyn method using Langmuir probes.In the periods without solar light, distribution does not depart much from Maxwellian above 0.3 eV. Below 0.2 eV, depletion and sometimes double humps are seen. In the periods with solar light, bumps are sometimes observed on the high energy tail at altitudes between 100 and 160 km. Energy distribution in the F layer above 180 km fits the Maxwellian distribution rather well. The reason for the appearance of such non-thermal electrons at lower altitudes may be due to super-elastic collisions with vibrationally excited nitrogens.     

Proton cyclotron frequency phenomena in the topside ionosphere

Proton cyclotron echoes and spurs are phenomena related to the proton cyclotron frequency discovered on topside sounder ionograms from Canadian Alouette satellites. The echoes and spurs appears on the ionograms at apparent ranges which lead to a frequency close to the proton cyclotron frequency; the frequency is obtained by taking the reciprocal of the time elapsed between the transmission of the sounder pulse and the reception of the signal at the satellite. Aloutte II and ISIS and II ionograms for about sixty satellite passes were scaled to study the charateristics of these phenomena. Generally, proton cyclotron echoes and spurs occured on the ionograms at frequencies below the electron plasma frequency f_N, the echoes predominantly slightly above the electron cyclotron frequency f_H and the spurs just below f_N. They appeared most often when a harmonic of the electron cyclotron frequency nf_H(n = 1, 2, 3, 4) was approximately equal to one of the other characteristic frequencies, that is: (1) nf_H ≈ f_N, (2) nf_H ≈ f_zS, the frequency of the Z wave at the heght of the satellite, and (3) nf_H ≈ f_T, the upper hybrid resonance frequency.Proton cyclotron echoes, spurs and protein cyclotron wave patterns have many features in common in addition to their fundamental relationship with the proton cyclotron frequency. The echoes and spurs are observed most often when when nf_H overlaps one of the other characteristic frequencies, that is: nf_H ≈ f_N, nf_H ≈ f_zS, and nf_H ≈ f_T. The proton cyclotron wave pattern is observed under the first of the three conditions. It appears that the occurence of the phenomena is related to the plama conditions, the geographic location not being important in itself except that reflects different plasma conditions. Although proton cyclotron echoes and spurs were observed more often near the geomagnetic equator, consistent with the results of Matuura and Nishizaki,(8) they still observed at high latitudes even near the north geomagnetic pole.The echoes and spurs occur at frequencies below f_N, the echoes predominantly slightly above f_H and the spurs just below f_N. Generally it is easy to distinguish between the two since usually they appear separately or, if together, often an echo would terminate and a spur begin at a slightly different apparent range. But it is not always easy since sometimes it appeared that a proton cyclotron echo and a spur formed a continuous trace, suggesting that perhaps they may be different manifestations of the same phenomenon. Work is continuing in an attemp to understand the origin of proton cyclotron echoes, spurs, and proton cyclotron wave patterns.     

On the low frequency impedance probe in the ionosphere

A low frequency impedance probe designed to detect the ion-electron hybrid resonance in the ionospheric plasma is studied. Firstly, the effect of finite resistance of an ion sheath surrounding a probe is analyzed for the case of a cylindrical probe and quantitative insight into this is given. Secondly, the dissipations due to warm plasma effects which appear in the actual experiment flown aboard a space vehicle are discussed. These depend upon the dimensions of the probe system and the velocity of the system relative to the mean thermal velocity of charged particles. Analyses are then carried out for a simple planar grid model using electrostatic and hydrodynamic approximations.     

Photoelectron thermalization and transport in the ionosphere at low energies

The range of applicability of the transport equation for photoelectrons in the ionosphere (Mantas, 1975), is extended to thermal energies. The extension enables one to calculate the photoelectron distribution in the important low energy region (i.e. < 3 eV), where most of the thermal electron gas heating takes place, and thereby to obtain more accurate excitation rates for the low energy: electronic, vibrational and rotational states of the ionospheric constituents, than was formerly possible.     

Turbulent transport and heating in the auroral plasma of the topside ionosphere

Using plasma parameters from a typical stormtime ionospheric energy balance model, we have investigated the effects of plasma turbulence on the auroral magnetoplasma. The turbulence is assumed to be comprised of electrostatic ion cyclotron waves. These waves have been driven to a nonthermal level by a geomagnetic field-aligned, current-driven instability. The evolution of this instability is shown to proceed in two stages and indicates an anomalous increase in field-aligned electrical resistivity and cross-field ion thermal conductivity as well as a decrease in electron thermal conductivity along the geomagnetic field. In addition, this turbulence heats ions perpendicular to the geomagnetic field and hence leads to a significant ion temperature anisotropy.     

Influence of neutral transport on ion chemistry uncertainties in Titan ionosphere

Models of Titan ionospheric chemistry have shown that ion densities depend strongly on the neutral composition. The turbulent diffusion transport conditions, as modeled by eddy coefficients, can spectacularly affect the uncertainty on predicted neutral densities. In order to evaluate the error budget on ion densities predicted by photochemical models, we perform uncertainty propagation of neutral densities by Monte Carlo sampling and assess their sensitivity to two turbulent diffusion profiles, corresponding to the extreme profiles at high altitudes described in the literature. A strong sensitivity of the ion density uncertainties to transport is observed, generally more important than to ion–molecule reaction parameters themselves. This highlights the necessity to constrain eddy diffusion profiles for Titan ionosphere, which should progressively be done thanks to the present and future measurements of the orbiter Cassini.     

Coronal and interplanetary transport of solar energetic protons and electrons

We present a new method to separate interplanetary and coronal propagation, starting from intensity variations observed by spaceprobes at different heliolongitudes. In general, a decrease in absolute intensities is observed simultaneously with an increase in temporal delays. The coupling of these two effects can be described by Reid's model of coronal diffusion and can in principle be used to determine the two coronal time constants, diffusion time t _c and escape time A. In addition, a least-squares fit method is used to determine the parameters of interplanetary transport, assuming a radial dependence as (r) = ₀(r/1 AU)^b. The method is applied to the two solar events of 27 December, 1977 and 1 January, 1978 which were observed by the spaceprobes Helios 1, Helios 2, and Prognoz 6. Energetic particle data are analysed for 13–27 MeV protons and -0.5 MeV electrons. For the regions in space encountered during these events the mean free path of electrons is smaller than that of protons. Straight interpolation between the two rigidities leads to a rather flat rigidity dependence (P) P ⁿ with n = 0.17–0.25. This contradicts the prediction of a constant mean free path or of the transition to scatter-free propagation below about 100 MV rigidity. In three of the four cases the mean free path of 13–27 MeV protons is of the order 0.17 AU, the mean free path of electrons of the order 0.06 AU. For protons we find b - 0.7 for the exponent of the radial variation.The concept of two different coronal propagation regimes is confirmed. It is remarkable that in both regimes electrons are transported more efficiently than protons. This holds for the temporal delay as well as for the amplitude decrease. This is in contrast with the long existing concept of rigidity independent transport and puts severe limits to any model of coronal transport. For the December event all three spaceprobes are in the fast propagation regime up to an angular distance of 62°. For protons we find a finite delay even in the fast propagation region, corresponding to a coronal delay rate of about 0.8 hr rad^-1 up to 60° angular distance. In contrast, relativistic electrons may reach this distance within a few minutes.The fast transport of electrons and the different behaviour of electrons and protons is in contradiction to the expanding bottle concept. An explanation of coronal transport by shock acceleration directly on open field lines could in principle work in case of protons in the fast propagation region, but would fail in case of the electrons. The fast and efficient transport of electrons is most likely due to a region of field lines extending over a wide range of longitudes directly from the active region into interplanetary space. The much slower transport of both particle types at large azimuthal distances can neither be explained by direct access to open field lines not by the direct shock acceleration concept. A possible explanation is the loop reconnection model in a modified version, allowing for a faster lateral transport of electrons.Now at AEG, 2000 Wedel, F.R.G.     

Energetic electrons as an energy transport mechanism in solar flares

We review the observations and theory relating to the role of energetic electrons in the solar flare, with particular emphasis on discriminating between thermal and nonthermal origins of these electrons. We discuss diagnostics in hard X-rays, especially those relating to the recent observations of the SMM and HINOTORI satellites. We also briefly address the response of the atmosphere to energy input in the form of high energy electrons, in particular through the diagnostics of both the Fe K feature and optically thin transition region lines such as 0V. Finally, we discuss the relative roles of electron and proton heating in -ray flare events.     

Non-linear resonant excitation of whistler mode waves in the earth''s ionosphere using two high frequency transmitters

We discuss the possibility of exciting whistler mode waves (WMWs) in the Earth's ionosphere, by using two high frequency beams of electromagnetic waves (f₁f₂) suitably orientated to the geomagnetic field H_o, so that a non-linear resonant interaction can take place in the natural ionospheric plasma, approximately at the altitude of the F2 maximum electron density. Within the limitations imposed by ionospheric inhomogeneities in the interaction region, it should be possible to excite a WMW which propagates along a predetermined direction, e.g. parallel to H_o.

If we assumef₁ andf₂ to be approx 30 MHz (i.e. well above the ionospheric plasma frequency), this method would make it possible to select and vary the frequency range of the excited WMW up to a few hundreds kHz without substantial alterations to the high frequency transmitting system.

Since the two beams should form an angle close to 90° to the direction of propagation of the WMW, this technique may prove particularly suitable for active wave experiments at low geomagnetic latitudes, where the geometry of the geomagnetic field limits the feasibility of direct wave injection experiments.

Using the results of theoretical calculations of the three wave coupling coefficients, it will be shown that the transmitters required to produce WMWs with field strengths comparable to that of naturally occurring strong whistlers are substantial, but feasible.     

Absorption of very low frequency (VLF) waves in the whistler mode propagation in Jovian ionosphere

Making use of currently available theory of wave absorption, an attempt has been made to estimate the refractive indices and absorption coefficients for different wave frequencies during day and night times in the Jovian ionosphere. The results obtained have striking similarity with the corresponding results in the case of the Earth's ionosphere. It is concluded that VLF signals can be observed more easily during night times.     

Venus Express observations of ULF and ELF waves in the Venus ionosphere: Wave properties and sources

Electrical activity in a planetary atmosphere enables chemical reactions that are not possible under conditions of local thermodynamic equilibrium. In both the Venus and terrestrial atmospheres, lightning forms nitric oxide. Despite the existence of an inventory of NO at Venus like the Earth’s, and despite observations of the signals expected from lightning at optical, VLF, and ELF frequencies, the existence of Venus lightning still is met with some skepticism. The Venus Express mission was equipped with a fluxgate magnetometer gradiometer system sampling at rates as high as 128 Hz, and making measurements as low as 200 km altitude above the north polar regions of Venus. However, significant noise levels are present on the Venus Express spacecraft. Cleaning techniques have been developed to remove spacecraft interference at DC, ULF, and ELF frequencies, revealing two types of electromagnetic waves, a transverse right-handed guided mode, and a linearly polarized compressional mode. The propagation of both types of signals is sensitive to the magnetic field in ways consistent with propagation from a distant source to the spacecraft. The linearly polarized compressional waves generally are at lower frequencies than the right-handed transverse waves. They appear to be crossing the usually horizontal magnetic field. At higher frequencies above the lower hybrid frequency, waves cannot enter the ionosphere from below when the field is horizontal. The arrival of signals at the spacecraft is controlled by the orientation of the magnetic field. When the field dips into the atmosphere, the higher frequency guided mode above the lower hybrid frequency can enter the ionosphere by propagating along the magnetic field in the whistler mode. These properties are illustrated with examples from five orbits during Venus Express’ first year in orbit. These properties observed are consistent with the linearly polarized compressional waves being produced at the solar wind interface and the transverse guided waves being produced in the atmosphere.     

Temperature domains in the ionosphere

The non-linear stationary temperature waves (domains) is analysed. The exact analytical solutions of the non-linear equation of the heat conductivity determine the region of existence of such domains and the critical values of plasma parameters, correspond to the increase of the periodical temperature profiles in the plasma. A stationary source of heating (photo-electrons or electric fields) may stimulate the existence of domains, when the power of the source reaches a critical value. Conditions in the F-region of the ionosphere near the equator favour the increase of the domains.     

Spatial resonance in the ionosphere

When the phase velocity of an internal gravity wave equals the natural drift of an ionization irregularity, then a spatial resonance results. If the ionization irregularity has been produced by the gravity wave then it is possible to obtain simple quantitative relations to describe this effect. They indicate this spatial resonance will only occur when the horizontal electric field is westward (i.e. at night) and for tropospherically launched waves it will only affect the ionization at the valley of the equatorial electron density profile.     

Pancake cyclones and anti-cyclones in the ionosphere

The formation of pancake cyclones and anticyclones in the E-region of the Earth's ionosphere is considered. It is shown that the vortices can be maintained by the neutral winds or by chemical reactions including the energy release caused by the triple collisions of atomic oxygen with neutrals. It is found that the variations of the magnetic fields induced by the vortices are not localized and decrease slowly far from the vortex core. They can be easily detected by ground based magnetometers or by facilities on board the low-orbiting satellites.     

Silicon ion chemistry in the ionosphere

Loss processes which remove Si⁺ ions selectively relative to other meteor-derived atomic ions in the E- and D-regions of the ionosphere have been identified and measured in the laboratory. The major Si⁺ loss in the E-region is the reaction Si⁺ + H₂O → HSiO⁺ + H (1) with a rate constant 2.3 ± 0.9 × 10^?10 cm³s^?1 at 300 K. The corresponding reactions with Fe⁺, Mg⁺ and other metallic meteor ions are endothermic. Presumably (1) is followed by a fast dissociative-recombination with electrons to produce neutral SiO or Si. At lower altitudes Si⁺ ions associate in a three-body reaction with O₂ with a much larger rate constant than the corresponding associations of Fe⁺ and Mg⁺ with O₂.