Energetic electron depletions in the nightside Martian upper atmosphere
revisited
Abstract
Energetic electron depletions are a notable feature of the nightside
Martian upper atmosphere. In this study, we investigate systematically
the variations of the occurrence of depletions with both internal and
external conditions, using the extensive Solar Wind Electron Analyzer
measurements made on board the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution.
In addition to the known trends of increasing occurrence with decreasing
altitude and increasing magnetic field intensity, our analysis reveals
that depletions are more easily observed when the ambient magnetic
fields are more horizontally inclined and under lower Solar Wind (SW)
dynamic pressures. We also find that the occurrence increases with
increasing atmospheric CO$_2$ density but this trend is restricted to
low altitudes and within weakly magnetized regions only. These
observations suggest that the formation of electron depletions is two
folded: (1) Near strong crustal magnetic anomalies, closed magnetic
loops preferentially form and shield the atmosphere from direct access
of SW electrons, a process that is modulated by the upstream SW
condition; (2) In weakly magnetized regions, SW electrons precipitate
into the atmosphere unhindered but with an intensity substantially
reduced at low altitudes due to inelastic collisions with ambient
neutrals. In addition, our analysis reveals that both the ionospheric
plasma content and thermal electron temperature are clearly reduced in
regions with depletions than those without, supporting SW electron
precipitation as an important source of external energy driving the
variability in the deep nightside Martian upper atmosphere and
ionosphere.