Ion-acoustic solitary waves in Mars’ lower ionosphere

Abstract

This study suggests that ionic species dynamics generate electrostatic ion-acoustic solitary waves (IASWs) in Mars’ lower ionosphere. It has been determined through observations that the lower ionosphere of Mars, specifically between 200 and 350 km above the surface, is mostly made up of ions like O2+ , O +, and CO2+ , along with superthermal electrons. This study investigates the occurrence, propagation, and properties of IASWs. The derivation of the evolution equation is conducted for waves with a small-but-finite-amplitude. In order to analyze IASWs with large amplitude, the Sagdeev pseudo-potential is obtained. The model predicts the propagation of electrostatic IASWs within an electric field range of 1 to 6 mV/m and a pulse duration period of 0.5 to 4 ms. Fast Fourier analysis of the electric field pulse reveals pulses from 0.8 to 4 kHz.