A model of the terrestrial ionosphere in the altitude interval 50-4000 km. I: Atomic ions (H+, He+, N+, O+)

An empirical model of atomic ion densities (H+, He+, N+, O+) is presented up to 4000 km altitude as a function of time (diurnal, annual), space (position, altitude), and solar flux (F10.7) using observations of satellites (AE-B, AE-C, AE-D, AE-E, ISIS-2, OGO-6) and rockets during quiet geophysical c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Earth, moon, and planets moon, and planets, 1989-04, Vol.45 (1), p.53-100
Main Author: KOEHNLEIN, W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Ionospheric structure (d, e, f and topside regions)
Physics of the ionosphere
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Summary:An empirical model of atomic ion densities (H+, He+, N+, O+) is presented up to 4000 km altitude as a function of time (diurnal, annual), space (position, altitude), and solar flux (F10.7) using observations of satellites (AE-B, AE-C, AE-D, AE-E, ISIS-2, OGO-6) and rockets during quiet geophysical conditions (Kp less than or equal 3). The numerical treatment is based upon harmonic functions for the horizontal pattern and cubic spline for the vertical structure. Around polar regions, the light ions H(+) and He(+) are depleted by the polar wind and enhanced. During local summer conditions the ion densities increase around polar latitudes and decrease during local winter, except He(+) which reflects the opposite pattern. The atomic ions N(+) and O(+) reach a peak during daytime. (C.E.)
ISSN:0167-9295
1573-0794
DOI:10.1007/BF00054660