Numerical simulations of the influence of solar zenith angle on properties of the M1 layer of the Mars ionosphere

Abstract

AbstractThe M1 layer of the Mars ionosphere is one of its most significant features, second only to the M2 layer. Observations have shown how the physical properties of this layer depend on solar zenith angle (SZA) and solar irradiance, but these trends have not yet been explored in detail by numerical simulations. Hence, the full implications of the observational findings for the M1 layer's behavior have not been established. Here we use the Boston University Mars Ionosphere Model to simulate the M1 layer over a period of 6 months. In order to adequately reproduce the SZA dependence of the observed M2 peak density, an ad hoc isothermal electron temperature profile was required. This representation was motivated by detailed energy balance calculations that predict relatively small variations in electron temperature at the M2 peak. We find several model results consistent with observations: the simulated M1 peak density is effectively proportional to Ch(SZA)−0.5, where Ch is the Chapman function; the ratio of M1 to M2 peak electron densities is independent of SZA; the simulated M1 peak altitude decreases with increasing solar irradiance; and the simulated difference in altitude between the M1 and M2 layers increases with SZA at the observed rate. Due to limitations in the assumed neutral atmosphere, the simulated increase in M1 peak altitude with increasing solar zenith angle is significantly greater than observed. In both simulations and observations, limitations in representing the width of the M1 layer prevent meaningful comparisons and connections to the neutral scale height.