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| Titel |
On the validity of the ambipolar diffusion assumption in the polar mesopause region |
| VerfasserIn |
A. P. Ballinger, P. B. Chilson, R. D. Palmer, N. J. Mitchell |
| Medientyp |
Artikel
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| Sprache |
Englisch
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| ISSN |
0992-7689
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| Digitales Dokument |
URL |
| Erschienen |
In: Annales Geophysicae ; 26, no. 11 ; Nr. 26, no. 11 (2008-11-06), S.3439-3443 |
| Datensatznummer |
250016283
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| Publikation (Nr.) |
 copernicus.org/angeo-26-3439-2008.pdf |
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| Zusammenfassung |
| The decay of underdense meteor trails in the polar mesopause region is
thought to be predominantly due to ambipolar diffusion, a process governed by
the ambient temperature and pressure. Hence, observations of meteor decay
times have been used to indirectly measure the temperature of the mesopause
region. Using meteor observations from a SKiYMET radar in northern Sweden
during 2005, this study found that weaker meteor trails have shorter decay
times (on average) than relatively stronger trails. This suggests that
processes other than ambipolar diffusion can play a significant role in trail
diffusion. One particular mechanism, namely electron-ion recombination, is
explored. This process is dependent on the initial electron density within
the meteor trail, and can lead to a disproportionate reduction in decay time,
depending on the strength of the meteor. |
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