Aeronomy

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

We describe here the neutral and ionic structures of atmospheres, including the processes that determine the atmospheric layers, the distributions of the species, and the temperature profiles. We focus on the upper atmosphere, which comprises the thermosphere and the ionosphere, two regions that overlay and interact with each other. We describe the interaction of near and extreme ultraviolet solar photons and energetic electrons with the atmosphere and their role in ionization and dissociation of atmospheric species. We also review the production and loss processes that are important in the formation of the different layers of the dayside and nightside ionospheres, including ion and neutral diffusion. The processes that determine the neutral, ion, and electron temperatures are discussed. We review the processes that are important in the production of the luminosity of the upper atmospheres, including dayglow, nightglow, and auroras. Finally, we describe atmospheric escape processes, including thermal and nonthermal mechanisms.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSpringer Handbooks
EditorsGordon W. F. Drake
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages1299-1336
Number of pages38
Edition2
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-030-73893-8
ISBN (Print)978-3-030-73892-1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

Publication series

NameSpringer Handbooks
ISSN (Print)2522-8692
ISSN (Electronic)2522-8706

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • General

Keywords

  • dissociative recombination
  • outer planet
  • solar zenith angle
  • suprathermal electron
  • terrestrial planet

Disciplines

  • Aerospace Engineering

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