Approaches to A Mars international reference ionosphere
Abstract
As part of the Mars International Reference Atmosphere (MIRA)effort, there is a need to specify the structure of the ionized component of Mars' upper atmosphere. Based on practices developed for the terrestrial ionosphere, one could formulate (1) a purely empirical model, (2) a semi-empirical model, or (3) a fully self-consistent general circulation model (GCM) to portray the spatial and temporal patterns of Mars' ionosphere. In this contribution, we will discuss the benefits and liabilities of each approach, and invite a full community discussion of the course(s) of action to follow.
- Publication:
-
35th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004cosp...35.2072M