AE33C-0504
Photo-chemical response of the night-time mesosphere to electric field heating
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Poster Hall (Moscone South)
Daniel Abrahm Kotovsky, University of Florida, Ft Walton Beach, FL, United States and Robert C Moore, University of Florida, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ft Walton Beach, FL, United States
Abstract:
A zero-dimensional, photo-chemical model of the night-time mesosphere based upon the Mitra-Rowe scheme [Rowe et al., 1974] has been developed to examine the time dynamics of electron density changes produced by high-intensity, electric field heating. Additional negative- and positive-ion processes necessary to account for high electron temperatures (order of eV) have been included. Results of the model are compared to the time dynamics of lightning produced, early VLF scattering events. Among other results, we discuss co-operative mechanisms which lead to slow enhancements of electron densities (up to a few seconds) proceeding a single, shorter duration electric field heating pulse. Such mechanisms are capable of explaining all observations of early/slow VLF scattering events to date, including those associated with only a single observed radio atmospheric.
