scholarly journals The role of vibrationally excited oxygen and nitrogen in the ionosphere during the undisturbed and geomagnetic storm period of 6-12 April 1990

1998 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 589-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. V. Pavlov

Abstract. We present a comparison of the observed behavior of the F-region ionosphere over Millstone Hill during the geomagnetically quiet and storm periods of 6–12 April 1990 with numerical model calculations from the IZMIRAN time-dependent mathematical model of the Earth's ionosphere and plasmasphere. The major enhancement to the IZMIRAN model developed in this study is the use of a new loss rate of O+(4S) ions as a result of new high-temperature flowing afterglow measurements of the rate coefficients K1 and K2 for the reactions of O+(4S) with N2 and O2. The deviations from the Boltzmann distribution for the first five vibrational levels of O2(v) were calculated, and the present study suggests that these deviations are not significant. It was found that the difference between the non-Boltzmann and Boltzmann distribution assumptions of O2(v) and the difference between ion and neutral temperature can lead to an increase of up to about 3 or a decrease of up to about 4 of the calculated NmF2 as a result of a respective increase or a decrease in K2. The IZMIRAN model reproduces major features of the data. We found that the inclusion of vibrationally excited N2(v > 0) and O2(v > 0) in the calculations improves the agreement between the calculated NmF2 and the data on 6, 9, and 10 April. However, both the daytime and nighttime densities are reproduced by the IZMIRAN model without the vibrationally excited nitrogen and oxygen on 8 and 11 April better than the IZMIRAN model with N2(v > 0) and O2(v > 0). This could be due to possible uncertainties in model neutral temperature and densities, EUV fluxes, rate coefficients, and the flow of ionization between the ionosphere and plasmasphere, and possible horizontal divergence of the flux of ionization above the station. Our calculations show that the increase in the O+ + N2 rate factor due to N2(v > 0) produces a 5-36 decrease in the calculated daytime peak density. The increase in the O++ O2 loss rate due to vibrational-ly excited O2 produces 8-46 reductions in NmF2. The effects of vibrationally excited O2 and N2 on Ne and Te are most pronounced during the daytime.Key words. Ion chemistry and composition · Ionosphere – atmosphere interactions · Ionospheric disturbances

2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 957-966
Author(s):  
A. V. Pavlov ◽  
K.-I. Oyama

Abstract. We present a comparison of the observed behavior of the F region ionosphere over Millstone Hill during the geomagnetically quiet and storm period on 16-23 March, 1990, with numerical model calculations from the time-dependent mathematical model of the Earth's ionosphere and plasmasphere. The effects of vibrationally excited N2(v) and O2(v) on the electron density and temperature are studied using the N2(v) and O2(v) Boltzmann and non-Boltzmann distribution assumptions. The deviations from the Boltzmann distribution for the first five vibrational levels of N2(v) and O2(v) were calculated. The present study suggests that these deviations are not significant at vibrational levels v = 1 and 2, and the calculated distributions of N2(v) and O2(v) are highly non-Boltzmann at vibrational levels v > 2. The N2(v) and O2(v) non-Boltzmann distribution assumption leads to the decrease of the calculated daytime NmF2 up to a factor of 1.44 (maximum value) in comparison with the N2(v) and O2(v) Boltzmann distribution assumption. The resulting effects of N2(v > 0) and O2(v > 0) on the NmF2 is the decrease of the calculated daytime NmF2 up to a factor of 2.8 (maximum value) for Boltzmann populations of N2(v) and O2(v) and up to a factor of 3.5 (maximum value) for non-Boltzmann populations of N2(v) and O2(v) . This decrease in electron density results in the increase of the calculated daytime electron temperature up to about 1040-1410 K (maximum value) at the F2 peak altitude giving closer agreement between the measured and modeled electron temperatures. Both the daytime and nighttime densities are not reproduced by the model without N2(v > 0) and O2(v > 0) , and inclusion of vibrationally excited N2 and O2 brings the model and data into better agreement. The effects of vibrationally excited O2 and N2 on the electron density and temperature are most pronounced during daytime.Key words: Ionosphere (ion chemistry and composition; ionosphere-atmosphere interactions; ionospheric disturbances)


1997 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. V. Pavlov ◽  
M. J. Buonsanto

Abstract. Measurements of F-region electron density and temperature at Millstone Hill are compared with results from the IZMIRAN time-dependent mathematical model of the Earth's ionosphere and plasmasphere during the periods 16–23 March and 6–12 April 1990. Each of these two periods included geomagnetically quiet intervals followed by major storms. Satisfactory agreement between the model and the data is obtained during the quiet intervals, provided that the recombination rate of O+(4S) ions was decreased by a factor of 1.5 at all altitudes during the nighttime periods 17–18 March, 19–20 March, 6–8 April and 8–9 April in order to increase the NmF2 at night better to match observations. Good model/data agreement is also obtained during the storm periods when vibrationally excited N2 brings about factor-of-2-4 reductions in daytime NmF2. Model calculations are carried out using different expressions for the O+ – O collision frequency for momentum transfer, and the best agreement between the electron-density measurements and the model results is obtained when the CEDAR interim standard formula for the O‡+ – O collision frequency is used. Deviations from the Boltzmann distribution for the ®rst ®ve vibrational levels of N2 collision frequency is used. Deviations from the Boltzmann distribution for the first five vibrational levels of j were calculated. The calculated distribution is highly non-Boltzmann at vibrational levels j > 2 and the Boltzmann distribution assumption results in the increase of 10–30% in calculated NmF2 during the storm-time periods. During the March storm at solar maximum the model results obtained using the EUVAC solar flux model agree a little better with the observations in comparison with the EUV94 solar flux model. For the April storm period of moderate solar activity the EUV94X model results agree better with the observations in comparison to the EUVAC model.


1998 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 838-846 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. Kirillov

Abstract. The first-order perturbation approximation is applied to calculate the rate coefficients of vibrational energy transfer in collisions involving vibrationally excited molecules in the absence of non-adiabatic transitions. The factors of molecular attraction, oscillator frequency change, anharmonicity, 3-dimensionality and quasiclassical motion have been taken into account in the approximation. The analytical expressions presented have been normalized on experimental data of VT-relaxation times in N2 and O2 to obtain the steric factors and the extent of repulsive exchange potentials in collisions N2-N2 and O2-O2. The approach was applied to calculate the rate coefficients of vibrational-vibrational energy transfer in the collisions N2-N2, O2-O2 and N2-O2. It is shown that there is good agreement between our calculations and experimental data for all cases of energy transfer considered.Key words. Ionosphere (Auroral ionosphere; ion chemistry and composition). Atmospheric composition and structure (Aciglow and aurora).


1995 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1164-1171 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Ennis ◽  
G. J. Bailey ◽  
R. J. Moffett

Abstract. A fully time-dependent mathematical model, SUPIM, of the Earth's plasmasphere is used in this investigation. The model solves coupled time-dependent equations of continuity, momentum and energy balance for the O+, H+, He+, N+2, O+2, NO+ ions and electrons; in the present study, the geomagnetic field is represented by an axial-centred dipole. Calculation of vibrationally excited nitrogen molecules, which has been incorporated into the model, is presented here. The enhanced model is then used to investigate the behaviour of vibrationally excited nitrogen molecules with F10.7 and solar EUV flux, during summer, winter and equinox conditions. The presence of vibrational nitrogen causes a reduction in the electron content. The diurnal peak in electron content increases linearly up to a certain value of F10.7, and above this value increases at a lesser rate, in agreement with previous observations and modelling work. The value of F10.7 at which this change in gradient occurs is reduced by the presence of vibrational nitrogen. Vibrational nitrogen is most effective at F-region altitudes during summer daytime conditions when a reduction in the electron density is seen. A lesser effect is seen at equinox, and in winter the effect is negligible. The summer reduction in electron density due to vibrational nitrogen therefore reinforces the seasonal anomaly.


1998 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 460-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. V. Pavlo ◽  
M. J. Buonsanto

Abstract. This study compares the observed behavior of the F region ionosphere over Millstone Hill with calculations from the IZMIRAN model for solar minimum for the geomagnetically quiet period 23-25 June 1986, when anomalously low values of hmF2(<200 km) were observed. We found that these low values of hmF2 (seen as a G condition on ionograms) exist in the ionosphere due to a decrease of production rates of oxygen ions resulting from low values of atomic oxygen density. Results show that determination of a G condition using incoherent scatter radar data is sensitive both to the true concentration of O+ relative to the molecular ions, and to the ion composition model assumed in the data reduction process. The increase in the O++ N 2 loss rate due to vibrationally excited N2 produces a reduction in NmF2 of typically 5-10% , but as large as 15% , bringing the model and data into better agreement. The effect of vibrationally excited NO+ ions on electron densities is negligible.Key words. Ionosphere (Ion chemistry and composition; Ionosphere-atmosphere interactions; Mid-latitude ionosphere).


1996 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 1362-1374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu. N. Korenkov ◽  
V. V. Klimenko ◽  
M. Förster ◽  
V. A. Surotkin ◽  
J. Smilauer

Abstract. Near-earth plasma parameters were calculated using a global numerical self-consistent and time-dependent model of the thermosphere, ionosphere and protonosphere (GSM TIP). The model results are compared with experimental data of different origin, mainly EISCAT measurements and simultaneous satellite data (Ne and ion composition). Model runs with varying inputs of auroral FAC distributions, temperature of vibrationally excited nitrogen and photoelectron energy escape fluxes are used to make adjustments to the observations. The satellite data are obtained onboard Active and its subsatellite Magion-2 when they passed nearby the EISCAT station around 0325 and 1540 UT on 31 July 1990 at a height of about 2000 and 2200 km, respectively. A strong geomagnetic disturbance was observed two days before the period under study. Numerical calculations were performed with consideration of vibrationally excited nitrogen molecules for high solar-activity conditions. The results show good agreement between the incoherent-scatter radar measurements (Ne, Te, Ti) and model calculations, taking into account the excited molecular nitrogen reaction rates. The comparison of model results of the thermospheric neutral wind shows finally a good agreement with the HWM93 empirical wind model.


1997 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 1422-1428 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Jenkins ◽  
G. J. Bailey ◽  
A. E. Ennis ◽  
R. J. Moffett

Abstract. The first five vibrationally excited states of molecular nitrogen have been included in the Sheffield University plasmasphere ionosphere model. Vibrationally excited molecular nitrogen reacts much more strongly with atomic oxygen ions than ground-state nitrogen; this means that more O+ ions are converted to NO+ ions, which in turn combine with the electrons to give reduced electron densities. Model calculations have been carried out to investigate the effect of including vibrationally excited molecular nitrogen on the low-latitude ionosphere. In contrast to mid-latitudes, a reduction in electron density is seen in all seasons during solar maximum, the greatest effect being at the location of the equatorial trough.


Author(s):  
Roberto Farina ◽  
Anna Simonelli ◽  
Andrea Baraldi ◽  
Mattia Pramstraller ◽  
Luigi Minenna ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives To evaluate yearly tooth loss rate (TLR) in periodontitis patients with different periodontal risk levels who had complied or not complied with supportive periodontal care (SPC). Materials and methods Data from 168 periodontitis patients enrolled in a SPC program based on a 3-month suggested recall interval for at least 3.5 years were analyzed. For patients with a mean recall interval within 2–4 months (“compliers”) or > 4 months (“non-compliers”) with different PerioRisk levels (Trombelli et al. 2009), TLR (irrespective of the cause for tooth loss) was calculated. TLR values were considered in relation to meaningful TLR benchmarks from the literature for periodontitis patients either under SPC (0.15 teeth/year; positive benchmark) or irregularly complying with SPC (0.36 teeth/year; negative benchmark). Results In both compliers and non-compliers, TLR was significantly below or similar to the positive benchmark in PerioRisk level 3 (0.08 and 0.03 teeth/year, respectively) and PerioRisk level 4 (0.12 and 0.18 teeth/year, respectively). Although marked and clinically relevant in non-compliers, the difference between TLR of compliers (0.32 teeth/year) and non-compliers (0.52 teeth/year) with PerioRisk level 5 and the negative benchmark was not significant. Conclusion A SPC protocol based on a 3- to 6-month recall interval may effectively limit long-term tooth loss in periodontitis patients with PerioRisk levels 3 and 4. A fully complied 3-month SPC protocol seems ineffective when applied to PerioRisk level 5 patients. Clinical relevance PerioRisk seems to represent a valid tool to inform the SPC recall interval as well as the intensity of active treatment prior to SPC enrollment.


1997 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 984-998 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. V. Pavlov

Abstract. This study compares the OV1-10 satellite measurements of the integral airglow intensities at 630 nm in the SAR arc regions observed in the northern and southern hemisphere as a conjugate phenomenon, with the model results obtained using the time-dependent one-dimensional mathematical model of the Earth ionosphere and plasmasphere (the IZMIRAN model) during the geomagnetic storm of the period 15–17 February 1967. The major enhancements to the IZMIRAN model developed in this study are the inclusion of He+ ions (three major ions: O+, H+, and He+, and three ion temperatures), the updated photochemistry and energy balance equations for ions and electrons, the diffusion of NO+ and O2+ ions and O(1D) and the revised electron cooling rates arising from their collisions with unexcited N2, O2 molecules and N2 molecules at the first vibrational level. The updated model includes the option to use the models of the Boltzmann or non-Boltzmann distributions of vibrationally excited molecular nitrogen. Deviations from the Boltzmann distribution for the first five vibrational levels of N2 were calculated. The calculated distribution is highly non-Boltzmann at vibrational levels v > 2 and leads to a decrease in the calculated electron density and integral intensity at 630 nm in the northern and southern hemispheres in comparison with the electron density and integral intensity calculated using the Boltzmann vibrational distribution of N2. It is found that the intensity at 630 nm is very sensitive to the oxygen number densities. Good agreement between the modelled and measured intensities is obtained provided that at all altitudes of the southern hemisphere a reduction of about factor 1.35 in MSIS-86 atomic oxygen densities is included in the IZMIRAN model with the non-Boltzmann vibrational distribution of N2. The effect of using of the O(1D) diffusion results in the decrease of 4–6% in the calculated integral intensity of the northern hemisphere and 7–13% in the calculated integral intensity of the southern hemisphere. It is found that the modelled intensities of the southern hemisphere are more sensitive to the assumed values of the rate coefficients of O+(4S) ions with the vibrationally excited nitrogen molecules and quenching of O+(2D) by atomic oxygen than the modelled intensities of the northern hemisphere.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 953-963 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cosme Alexandre O. B. Figueiredo ◽  
Ricardo A. Buriti ◽  
Igo Paulino ◽  
John W. Meriwether ◽  
Jonathan J. Makela ◽  
...  

Abstract. The midnight temperature maximum (MTM) has been observed in the lower thermosphere by two Fabry–Pérot interferometers (FPIs) at São João do Cariri (7.4° S, 36.5° W) and Cajazeiras (6.9° S, 38.6° W) during 2011, when the solar activity was moderate and the solar flux was between 90 and 155 SFU (1 SFU  =  10−22 W m−2 Hz−1). The MTM is studied in detail using measurements of neutral temperature, wind and airglow relative intensity of OI630.0 nm (referred to as OI6300), and ionospheric parameters, such as virtual height (h′F), the peak height of the F2 region (hmF2), and critical frequency of the F region (foF2), which were measured by a Digisonde instrument (DPS) at Eusébio (3.9° S, 38.4° W; geomagnetic coordinates 7.31° S, 32.40° E for 2011). The MTM peak was observed mostly along the year, except in May, June, and August. The amplitudes of the MTM varied from 64 ± 46 K in April up to 144 ± 48 K in October. The monthly temperature average showed a phase shift in the MTM peak around 0.25 h in September to 2.5 h in December before midnight. On the other hand, in February, March, and April the MTM peak occurred around midnight. International Reference Ionosphere 2012 (IRI-2012) model was compared to the neutral temperature observations and the IRI-2012 model failed in reproducing the MTM peaks. The zonal component of neutral wind flowed eastward the whole night; regardless of the month and the magnitude of the zonal wind, it was typically within the range of 50 to 150 m s−1 during the early evening. The meridional component of the neutral wind changed its direction over the months: from November to February, the meridional wind in the early evening flowed equatorward with a magnitude between 25 and 100 m s−1; in contrast, during the winter months, the meridional wind flowed to the pole within the range of 0 to −50 m s−1. Our results indicate that the reversal (changes in equator to poleward flow) or abatement of the meridional winds is an important factor in the MTM generation. From February to April and from September to December, the h′F and the hmF2 showed an increase around 18:00–20:00 LT within a range between 300 and 550 km and reached a minimal height of about 200–300 km close to midnight; then the layer rose again by about 40 km or, sometimes, remained at constant height. Furthermore, during the winter months, the h′F and hmF2 showed a different behavior; the signature of the pre-reversal enhancement did not appear as in other months and the heights did not exceed 260 and 350 km. Our observation indicated that the midnight collapse of the F region was a consequence of the MTM in the meridional wind that was reflected in the height of the F region. Lastly, the behavior of the OI6300 showed, from February to April and from September to December, an increase in intensity around midnight or 1 h before, which was associated with the MTM, whereas, from May to August, the relative intensity was more intense in the early evening and decayed during the night.


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