Positive ion composition and electron density in a combined auroral and NLC event

Abstract

The positive ion composition and electron density were measured in the lower ionosphere above Kiruna in salvo A of CAMP (Cold Arctic Mesopause Project). The CAMP/P (S37/P) payload carrying a magnetic ion spectrometer, positive ion and electron probes, and propagation experiments was launched on 3 August 1982 2332 UT during extended Noctilucent Clouds (NLC) and auroral activities over Kiruna. The measured electron density was 5×10 3cm −3 at 80 km and 2.5×10 5cm −3 at 90 km. The increase of ion and electron densities in the D- and E-region during twilight was caused by precipitating auroral particles. The height distribution of the positive ions measured by the mass spectrometer in the mass range 19–280 amu is different from a winter flight with similar auroral conditions. Below 85.5 km proton hydrates H +(H 2O) 3 − H +(H 2O) 8 were the dominant ions. The heaviest proton hydrates H +(H 2O) 7 and H +(H 2O) 8 were most abundant at 82–85.5 km, the altitude of visible NLC. Above 85.5 km O 2 + and NO + became dominant. A small metal ion layer was observed between 90.5–93 km with a maximum ion density of 10% of the total positive ion density at 91 km altitude. The metal ion density disappeared within about a km below 90.5 km.