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Atomic and molecular ion dynamics during equatorial spread F
Author(s) -
Huba J. D.,
Krall J.,
Joyce G.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2009gl037675
Subject(s) - ion , molecular dynamics , satellite , ionosphere , physics , plasma , earth's magnetic field , geophysics , atomic physics , geology , computational physics , magnetic field , astronomy , nuclear physics , quantum mechanics
The first simulation study of atomic and molecular ion dynamics during equatorial spread F (ESF) is presented. The simulation results are based on the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) SAMI3/ESF three‐dimensional code. The key findings are the following: (1) a ‘super fountain’ effect can occur in the initial stage of ESF with upward ion velocities ∼1 km/s, (2) plasma depletions can be enhanced by the ‘drainage’ of H + ions along the geomagnetic field, and (3) molecular ions (e.g., NO + ) can be ‘lifted’ to high altitudes (≳400 km). We compare these results with satellite observations where applicable.