Mass spectrometer measurements of the positive ion composition in the D- and E-regions of the ionosphere

摘要: Abstract On 14 December 1971, during the maximum of Geminid Meteor Shower, positive ion composition was measured in D- and E-regions above Sardinia. The payload launched at 12:11 UT, measurements were made between 68.5 152 km altitude. A magnetic sector type mass spectrometer with dual collector a liquid helium cryopump used. instrument covered range from 11 to 73 AMU had resolution 1 % level M ΔM = 60 . In E-region two distinct metal layers observed, centred 95 119 km, respectively. lower layer Fe+ Mg+ most abundant ions, upper Si+ dominant. ions conspicuously absent ( Si + Mg −3 ). This particular behaviour could be due inability atomic oxygen reduce SiO, whereas Si+ions might formed directly by charge rearrangement reaction SiO O+ → O2. addition, Na+, Al+, K+, Ca+, Ti+, Cr+, Ni+ Co+ also identified. oxide AlO+ SiO+ detected, probably MgO+ SiOH+. concentrations NO+ O2+ show deep minimum layer. very high neutral density 6 × 107 cm−3 would required explain this feature as resulting transfer reactions molecular Such is contradiction direct cosmic dust influx rates. isotopic ratios Mg+, Si+, major isotopes measured, some them an accuracy few per cent 25 24 0.124 ± 0.006 ; 26 0.139 0.008 29 28 0.050 0.004 54 Fe 56 0.069 0.005 57 0.029 Ni 58 0.31 0.12 agree within experimental errors corresponding terrestrial ratios, thus giving evidence that these elements have same meteors Earth's crust, chrondrites, lunar material. D-region Na+H2O, Na+(H2O)2, NaO+ NaOH+ tentatively Below altitude relative abundances 32+, 33+ 34+ deviate values expected for isotopes. Their can not explained presence S-ions only, we conclude HO2+ H2O2+ are present. profiles constituents remarkable deviations typical conditions. These related winter anomaly ionospheric absorption observed over Spain launch day, our data represent first such particular, H+(H2O)2 only up 77 80 concentration exceeds total water cluster almost orders magnitude. An increase mesospheric NO, O3 O well H 2 ratio profiles. low NO approximately unity agreement strong downward transport and/or into mesosphere day. simple four-ion model used interpret data. calculated increases about 85 5 km. increased production rate 83 found, enhanced concentration. We strongly support vertical minor consituents cause anomaly.