Synthesis of nitric oxide during the formation of an artificially ionized level in the atmosphere

Journal Article · Thu Sep 20 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Journal of Geophysical Research; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JD095iD10p16451· OSTI ID:6104117

Milikh, G M ^[1]

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1. Clemson Univ., SC (USA)

The artificially ionized layers in the atmosphere caused by microwave pulses are actively studied for possible application to communication services. The possible negative influences of this project on the environment will be considered. They are connected with the synthesis of nitric oxide, which is aggressive to the ozone layer. The mechanism of nitric oxide synthesis in the ionized region is based on the chemical reactions of molecules and atoms in the metastable electronic states excited by electron impact. These reactions are effective under conditions which are optimum for the formation of an artificially ionized layer. The concentration of nitrogen oxide produced in the ionized region is estimated for a variety of parameters of microwave pulses which can be used for breakdown of the atmosphere. The spatial shape of the artificial NO{sub x} cloud formed by the atmospheric wind and diffusion is studied. Artificially ionized layers are considered as the anthropogenic source of NO{sub x} on an annual global basis and compared to the existing natural sources. It is shown that the worldwide net of these layers does not appear to be sufficient to be of environmental concern.

• OSTI ID: 6104117
• Journal Information: Journal of Geophysical Research; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research; (USA) Vol. 95:D10; ISSN 0148-0227; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMISTRY
CLOUDS
COMMUNICATIONS
DIFFUSION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
EQUIPMENT
GLOBAL ASPECTS
IONIZATION
LAYERS
MICROWAVE EQUIPMENT
MICROWAVE RADIATION
NITRIC OXIDE
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
OZONE LAYER
RADIATIONS
SYNTHESIS
TRANSMISSION
WIND