CONVECTION IN THE VENUS IONOSPHERE

[摘要] Convective studies involving ion flow in the Venus dayside ionosphere are used to understand the nature of the observed O$sb2sp+$ distribution. Flows are modeled (not calculated) from previous data and theory which are incorporated to determine the ion distributions for O$sp+$, CO$sb2sp+$, and O$sb2sp+$. Current understanding of ion chemistry and related parameters are used in solving the continuity equation in two dimensions to provide ion profiles at different solar zenith angles. To explain the O$sb2sp+$ distribution, downward flow with speeds of approximately 500 m/s are required.

[发布机构] Rice University

[效力级别] Astrophysics