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A study of the possible characteristics of a low-altitude electron layer in the Martian atmosphereThe apparent diurnal Martian surface pressure variations, as deduced from radio occultation experiments, is discussed and explained as possibly arising from the effect of a low-altitude electron layer. Possible source and loss mechanisms for the low altitude electron layer are presented and discussed. Time dependent differential equations describing the electron layer are derived, and then integrated to investigate the electron distribution resulting from several processes that might occur in the atmosphere. It is concluded that the source mechanism is the sublimation of alkali atoms from a permanent dust layer, and that the dominant loss process must involve CO2 clustering about the alkali atoms. An electron layer is developed which explains the apparent diurnal surface pressure variation.
Document ID
19740027151
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other - NASA Technical Note (TN)
Authors
Wallio, H. A. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 3, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1974
Subject Category
Space Sciences
Report/Patent Number
L-9600
NASA-TN-D-7729
Accession Number
74N35264
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 185-47-91-06
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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