3D MHD simulation of the solar wind interaction with the Mars ionosphere
Mars has a thinner ionosphere than Venus' and the solar wind dynamic pressure has a stronger effect on the Mars ionosphere.
Based on MHD simulations, we show that there occurs a downward convection of solar wind ions mixed with newly ionized ionospheric particles when the solar wind pressure exceeds a certain critical value.
We also show from 3D MHD simulations that the escape of ionospheric ions from the planetary ionosphere strongly depends on the magnetic tension exerted by IMF, and as a result, the escaping flux is a sensitive function of the clock angle of the observation point with respect to the IMF direction in the yz plane.
Created 2005-01-20 18:33:03 by Mats Luspa Last changed 2005-01-20 18:34:01 by Mats Luspa
