Three‐dimensional Martian ionosphere model: I. The photochemical ionosphere below 180 km

摘要: [1] We describe the Mars ionosphere with unprecedented detail in 3-D, as simulated by a general circulation model (the Laboratoire de Meteorologie Dynamique GCM), and compare it recent measurements. The includes number of extensions improvements. Different simulations for full Martian year have been performed. electron density at main ionospheric peak is shown to vary Sun-Mars distance solar variability, both long-term (11 cycle) on shorter temporal scales (solar rotation). electronic be located same pressure level during all year. As consequence, its altitude varies latitude, local time, season according natural expansions fluctuations neutral atmosphere, agreement previous models. predicts nighttime due only photochemistry. close evening terminator observations. No effort has made explain patchy observed deep nightside. We compared modeled Global Surveyor Advanced Radar Subsurface Ionosphere Sounding data. reproduces zenith angle variability peak, although underestimates about 20%. secondary strongly underestimated model, probably very crude representation X-ray flux. This one aspects that needs revision future versions model.