Ion and neutral chemistry of the D-region during the intense solar particle event of August 1972. Final report 15 May 1975--30 Nov 1976
During the intense solar particle event of 3 through 11 August 1972 (SPE72), simultaneous observations were made with the polar-orbiting satellite 1971-089A and the incoherent scatter radar at Chatanika, Alaska. Combining the ion-pair production rate profiles for the D-region determined from the satellite measurements with electron density profiles at altitudes from 50 to 90 km obtained with the radar at 28 times, principally over a 2-day period, has resulted in an extensive set of effective electron loss rates. The data are sufficiently accurate and contiguous in time that a detailed understanding of the diurnal behavior of the highly disturbed polar D-region ionosphere and neutral atmosphere has been obtained. A conclusion of the present study is that our understanding of the positive ion chemistry of the D-region is adequate to explain electron loss rates under SPE-disturbed conditions provided that proper values are used for the atmospheric density, temperature, and minor species concentrations. Our present understanding of the negative ion chemistry is, however, not adequate to explain the SPE72 results. The presently accepted daytime electron detachment processes at altitudes near 60 km underestimate the observed electron densities and hence the magnitude of radiowave absorption. The study suggests that there must exist undiscovered channels involving photodetachment, photodissociation, and chemical reactions through which electrons are freed from the complex ions formed from negative oxygen ions.
- Research Organization:
- Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Palo Alto, CA (USA). Lockheed Palo Alto Research Lab.
- DOE Contract Number:
- N00014-75-C-1139
- OSTI ID:
- 7106591
- Report Number(s):
- AD-A-035283; LMSC/D-556351
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Simultaneous satellite and radar studies of the D region ionosphere during the intense solar particle events of August 1972
Ionospheric effects induced by precipitating auroral electrons. HAES report No. 14. Final report, 1 Feb 1974--1 Feb 1975
Related Subjects
GENERAL PHYSICS
D REGION
ELECTRON DENSITY
ABSORPTION
ANIONS
CATIONS
CHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
DAILY VARIATIONS
DISTURBANCES
ELECTRON DETACHMENT
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
CHARGED PARTICLES
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
IONOSPHERE
IONS
KINETICS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
RADIATIONS
REACTION KINETICS
VARIATIONS
640201* - Atmospheric Physics- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena