Non-thermal Upward and Escape Fluxes of Atmospheric Neutrals Required for Modeling MAVEN Data

Abstract:

Non-thermal upward and escape fluxes of neutral gases, including atomic and molecular constituents of the Mars atmosphere , have been evaluated for different solar and atmospheric conditions. The escape rates of neutral molecules, such as H2, N2, CO, and CO2, induced by precipitating solar wind ions, have been determined and compared with the rates of atomic and ion escape. Monte Carlo simulations of the momentum-energy deposition by Solar Wind ions, precipitating into the Mars atmosphere, and collision degradation of upward neutral fluxes have been carried out with accurate quantum-mechanical cross sections. The production and emission rates of excited molecules, such as OH, NO, and CO, have been also computed and results compared with other excitation mechanisms. Applications of the obtained theoretical data to analysis of MAVEN’s observations are discussed.