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Mars's Dayside Upper Ionospheric Composition Is Affected by Magnetic Field Conditions
Paul Withers1,2, C L Flynn1, M F Vogt2
1Department of Astronomy, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
Journal of Geophysical Research. Space Physics
|September 3, 2020
Summary
Dayside ion densities and composition on Mars differ between strongly and weakly magnetized regions. The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft data reveal higher ion concentrations and altered species ratios in stronger magnetic fields.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Aeronomy
- Space Physics
Background:
- The Martian ionosphere exhibits variations in electron density and temperature correlating with planetary magnetic field strength.
- Previous studies indicate spatial differences in ionospheric properties across Mars's dayside.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if dayside ion densities and ionospheric composition on Mars also vary between strongly and weakly magnetized regions.
- To analyze the impact of magnetic field strength on the distribution and relative abundance of key ion species.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing data from the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer (NGIMS) instrument aboard the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft.
- Examining ion densities (O+, O2+, CO2+) and fractional abundances at altitudes above approximately 200 km.
Main Results:
- Ion densities of O+, O2+, and CO2+ are significantly higher above 200 km in strongly magnetized regions compared to weakly magnetized areas.
- Fractional abundances of ion species are altered by magnetic field strength, notably the O+/O2+ ratio.
- The O+/O2+ ratio at 300 km increases from approximately 0.5 in strongly magnetized regions to 0.8 in weakly magnetized regions.
Conclusions:
- The composition of the ionospheric plasma reservoir available for atmospheric escape differs fundamentally between strongly and weakly magnetized regions on Mars.
- Magnetic field configuration plays a crucial role in shaping the Martian ionosphere's structure and composition.
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