The escape of O from Mars: Sensitivity to the elastic cross sections

摘要: Abstract We have predicted the escape fluxes of energetic O from Mars for high and low solar activity models martian thermosphere, using a Monte Carlo code to determine probabilities as function altitude energy. Among most important inputs this are integral differential elastic cross sections hot with various target species in background atmosphere. In previous studies, we assumed that integrated section each was 3 × 10 −15  cm 2 . Here adopt more realistic species. identified calculations or measurements such energy seven twelve our models. constant value is appropriate 2–3 eV range, which just above O. For five there no data, estimate similar those approximately same size. The reported interactions CO , major thermosphere below about 200 km. nominal model an slightly larger than N then test sensitivity O–CO by adopting values smaller value. report four cases, resulting rates. There small but not insignificant differences between these cases. factor 2–3 range computed fluxes; activity, factors smaller, order 1.5 less. compare results common collision section. find latter case, (2–4) × 10 8 −2  s −1 9–28 cases here, ∼(1–6) × 10 7