A mathematical model of the Earth's plasmasphere and its application in a study of He+ at L = 3.
Abstract
A fully time-dependent mathematical model of the Earth's plasmasphere is presented. In the model coupled time-dependent equations of continuity, momentum and energy balance for the O+, H+, He+, N+2, O+2 and NO+ ions, and the electrons, are solved along centred-dipole magnetic field lines. The model is used in a study of the distribution of He+ in the topside ionosphere at L = 3 during solar maximum and solar minimum. There is no indication in the results to suggest that He+ could become the dominant ion during summer at solar maximum or at any time during solar minimum.
- Publication:
-
Annales Geophysicae
- Pub Date:
- March 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990AnGeo...8..171B
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Ionization;
- Helium Ions;
- Ionized Gases;
- Plasmasphere;
- Solstices;
- Earth Ionosphere;
- Equinoxes;
- Mathematical Models;
- Satellite Orbits;
- Solar Cycles;
- Earth Plasmasphere: Models