Precipitating fluxes of energetic O+ ions during magnetic storms constitute a significant source of energy to the nightside thermosphere at altitudes above 200 km. The resulting perturbations of temperature and winds in the thermosphere due to energetic O+ precipitation are examined by computing the heating rate profile from such a precipitation event and using this as input to the NCAR thermospheric general circulation model. The results of a time dependent calculation show that heating due to energetic O+ ion precipitation produces a significant perturbation to the thermospheric structure above about 300 km. Energetic O+ precipitation events should produce considerable variability in the upper thermosphere during geomagnetic storms.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Torr et al. (1982) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: