Heavy ionospheric ions in the formation process of noctilucent clouds

Abstract

Results from a multinational rocket experiment in noctilucent cloud (NLC) conditions are presented. Weak NLC was detected at 83 km by visible photometry. Two separate ion mass spectrometer experiments both detected a narrow layer of very heavy positive ions at 90 km. The mass distribution of the large ions showed an increase of “most abundant mass” with height up to 90 km, indicating a temperature decrease up to that altitude. At 90 km the ion size approached the critical size at which nucleation of ice particles can start. If water ice particles would be formed in such a layer, they would continue to grow, as long as the ambient temperature is low enough and the water supply sufficient. While sedimenting through the atmosphere, they would add to the existing population of aerosol particles and thereby increase the total surface area of particles. Such an increased surface area of small particles would increase the loss rate for electrons and cause a deficiency of electrons at heights below the nucleation layer. A pronounced deficiency of electrons below 90 km was found in the measurements. With a theoretically modeled mesospheric H2O concentration, ice particle growth at 90 km is impossible. This situation may, however, change completely under the influence of an upwelling in the mesosphere. In addition to lowering the sink rate of the particles, such an upwelling would increase the concentration of H2O by vertical transport, and lower the gas temperature, which would also enhance the probability of particle growth. The upwelling would have to terminate in a horizontal motion above 90 km. At this height the rocket measurements show marked changes in the atomic oxygen concentration, electron/positive ion ratio and inferred concentrations of nitric oxide and negatively charged aerosol particles in addition to abrupt changes in positive ion composition.