Parametric estimation of neutral hydrogen density under charge exchange
and quantification of its effect on plasmasphere-ionosphere coupling
Abstract
The resonant charge exchange coupling between H+, H, O+ and O is a major
driver of H+ and O+ transport between the plasmasphere and topside
ionosphere. In this work, we present a new technique to derive
model-independent neutral atomic hydrogen density, [H], based on
parametric solution of the proton continuity equation including
charge-exchange-driven transport. Estimation of [H] using the proton
continuity equation incorporates atomic oxygen density [O] derived
from the inversion of 135.6 nm OI emission measured by TIMED/GUVI and
coincident ionospheric parameter measurements from the Arecibo
incoherent scatter radar. Furthermore, by solving both the H+ and O+
continuity equations simultaneously, this work also quantifies the
field-aligned vertical transport of protons between the plasmasphere and
ionosphere and its effect on maintenance of the nightside and dayside
ionospheric composition. Case studies during geomagnetically quiet
intervals show that the transport of protons from the plasmasphere
during nighttime is sufficient for the maintenance of the observed
ionospheric O+ composition through reverse charge-exchange with O.
Resulting O+ can diffuse upward or downward away from the source, which
leads to observed counter-streaming of H+ and O+. Higher O+ densities on
the dayside result in the charge-exchange production of H+, which acts
as a source of protons to the plasmasphere. In summary, this work
provides an unprecedented, model-independent quantification of diurnal
conservation of plasmaspheric protons and its effect on ionospheric
variability during quiet-times.