Computation of the ion/neutral density ratio in the presence of wave and chemical effects
Abstract
The relationship between ion and neutral density fluctuations due to gravity-wave motions in the presence of ion source and sink terms is examined. Results indicate that the ion/neutral density ratio (INDR) in the middle atmosphere ranges between two very different limits, depending on the characteristics of the wave motion and the ion production and recombination rates. For wave motions with frequencies much larger than ion chemistry rates, the INDR approaches the value appropriate for adiabatic motions in the absence of chemical effects. For wave motions with lower frequencies, the INDR approaches a value consistent with chemical equilibrium.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Atmospheric and Terrestrial Physics
- Pub Date:
- November 1990
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0021-9169(90)90019-J
- Bibcode:
- 1990JATP...52..827F
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Chemistry;
- Gravity Waves;
- Ionospheric Ion Density;
- Middle Atmosphere;
- Neutral Atmospheres;
- Ion Production Rates;
- Ion Recombination;
- Photodissociation;
- Wave Propagation