The atmospheric neutral sodium layer 1. Recent modeling compared to measurements

摘要: Atmospheric sodium distributions derived according to the recent Liu and Reid model for photochemistry, which includes reactions leading formation of NaOH, are compared with lidar measurements, good agreement is found. Attempts reproduce observed vertical distribution atmospheric by photochemical models hampered a lack precise knowledge appropriate reaction rates. It easy show, however, that on basis usual Chapman photochemistry only most unreasonable choice rate coefficients would lead distribution, even when source included in model. Models this sort, apparently compatible observations, have invariably contained implicit assumption an unexplained sink, reacting species, or not been equilibrium. A number these also suffer from defect values airglow emission much smaller than observed. concluded that, unlike previous models, capable explaining both sodium, intensity nightglow.