The Superthermal Electron Dynamics in the Ionospheric Valley Region
Abstract
A distinctive feature of the ionospheric plasma is a presence of superthermal electrons in the energy range of 1 to 500 eV. The superthermal electron population is formed due to ionization of neutral atmospheric atoms and molecules by photoionization (photoelectrons) or by impact ionization from energetic particles of magnetospheric origin (secondary electrons). Superthermal electrons play a very important role in a large number of ionospheric and plasmaspheric processes. A fairly detailed knowledge of the superthermal electron distribution function is required when modeling upper atmospheric phenomena, such as the heating of thermal plasma, optical emissions, ionization processes, plasma instabilities, or plasma wave generation. This talk will be focused on the photoelectron and secondary electron plasma physics processes in the ionospheric valley region.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019AGUFMSA43A..03K
- Keywords:
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- 2415 Equatorial ionosphere;
- IONOSPHERE;
- 2431 Ionosphere/magnetosphere interactions;
- IONOSPHERE;
- 6969 Remote sensing;
- RADIO SCIENCE;
- 7944 Ionospheric effects on radio waves;
- SPACE WEATHER