Experimental simulation of negative ion chemistry in Martian atmosphere using ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry

Dust optical depths (τ) for nine Martian years (MY24–MY32) in the subtropical region (25–35°S) have been used to classify distinct dust scenarios. These data are based on observations at 9.3 µm from the Mars Global Surveyor and Mars Odyssey missions and encompass the regional dust storms which occur every year around solar longitude (Ls) ~ 220° and the two major dust storms of MY25 and MY28. Constrained by these observations and the Mars Climate Sounder observations of detached dust layers, we estimate altitude profiles of dust concentrations. We discuss the characteristics of dust aerosol particles of different size between 0.2 and 3.0 µm by assuming a modified gamma distribution. We then use a comprehensive ion‐dust model to calculate ion densities and conductivities in the lower ionosphere of Mars in the absence of dust storm at τ = 0.1 and Ls = 150° and for three dust storm periods viz., (1) major dust storm at τ = 1.7 and Ls = 210°, (2) major dust storm at τ = 1.2 and Ls = 280°, and (3) regional dust storm at τ = 0.5 and Ls = 220°. The model with 12 neutral species considers galactic cosmic rays as a source of ionization. Results show that the density of the dominant hydrated cluster ions and the electrical conductivity are reduced by an order of magnitude near the surface for a few months until the dust storm settles down to its normal condition.

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“…The negative ions are formed when electron attaches with the electronegative molecules [cf. Sabo et al ., ].…”

Section: Dust Aerosol Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Long‐term variability of dust optical depths on Mars during MY24–MY32 and their impact on subtropical lower ionosphere: Climatology, modeling, and observations

Sheel

Haider

2016

JGR Space Physics

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Formation of positive ions in hydrocarbon containing dielectric barrier discharge plasmas

Mihăilă

Pohoaţǎ

Jijie

et al. 2016

Advances in Space Research

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Experimental study of the reaction of O− ions with CO2 molecules with different ternary gases at temperatures relevant to the martian ionosphere

Zymak

Žabka

Polášek

et al. 2021

Icarus

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Experimental simulation of negative ion chemistry in Martian atmosphere using ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry

Cited by 4 publications

References 18 publications

Long‐term variability of dust optical depths on Mars during MY24–MY32 and their impact on subtropical lower ionosphere: Climatology, modeling, and observations

Long‐term variability of dust optical depths on Mars during MY24–MY32 and their impact on subtropical lower ionosphere: Climatology, modeling, and observations

Formation of positive ions in hydrocarbon containing dielectric barrier discharge plasmas

Experimental study of the reaction of O− ions with CO2 molecules with different ternary gases at temperatures relevant to the martian ionosphere

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