http://hdl.handle.net/2122/96 2013-05-19T20:52:13Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/7072 Title: On the mechanism of seasonal and solar cycle NmF2 variations: A quantitative estimate of the main parameters contribution using incoherent scatter radar observations Authors: Mikhailov, A. V.; Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, Ionosphere and Radio Wave Propagation, Troitsk, Russia; Perrone, L.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia Abstract: Seasonal (winter/summer) and solar cycle NmF2 variations as well as summer saturation effect in NmF2 have been analyzed using Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar (ISR) daytime observations. A self‐consistent approach to the Ne(h) modeling has been applied to extract from ISR observations a consistent set of main aeronomic parameters and to estimate their quantitative contribution to the observed NmF2 variations. The retrieved aeronomic parameters are independent of uncertainties in thermosphere and solar EUV empirical models, and this is a distinguishing feature of the present consideration. Different temperatures in winter and in summer in the course of solar cycle overlapped on the O++N2 reaction rate coefficient temperature dependence result in different NmF2 dependences on solar activity: a steep practically linear increase with a tendency to turn up in January (contrary to international reference ionosphere prediction) and a slow increase with a tendency to saturate at high solar activity in July despite increasing solar EUV irradiation. In winter the EUV flux and thermospheric parameters provide approximately equal contributions to the NmF2 increase, while in summer the contribution of thermospheric parameters is small. Both in winter and in summer the variations of atomic oxygen [O] are small at the F2 layer peak, and its contribution is small compared to linear loss coefficient, b. It is shown that the summer saturation effect in NmF2 under high solar activity is not just reduced to O/N2 or EUV flux solar cycle variations but is determined by b via the g1 temperature dependence. A new mechanism (qualitative) to explain the December anomaly in NmF2 is proposed. It is based on the idea that the areas of atomic oxygen production and its loss are spatially separated and that time is required to transfer [O] from one area to the other where [O] associates in a three‐body collision. Therefore, under a 7% increase in the O2 dissociation rate due to the Sun‐Earth distance decrease in December–January compared to June–July, an accumulation of atomic oxygen should take place in the thermosphere in the vicinity of the December solstice resulting in a 21% NmF2 increase, which is close to the observed global December effect. 2011-03-17T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/5022 Title: Pre-storm NmF2 enhancements at middle latitudes: delusion or reality? Authors: Mikhailov, A. V.; Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, Ionosphere and Radio Wave Propagation, Troitsk, Moscow Region 142190, Russia; Perrone, L.; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Roma2, Roma, Italia Abstract: A critical analysis of recent publications devoted to the NmF2 pre-storm enhancements is performed. There are no convincing arguments that the observed cases of NmF2 enhancements at middle and sub-auroral latitudes bear a relation to the following magnetic storms. In all cases considered the NmF2 pre-storm enhancements were due to previous geomagnetic storms, moderate auroral activity or they presented the class of positive quiet time events (Q-disturbances). Therefore, it is possible to conclude that there is no such an effect as the pre-storm NmF2 enhancement as a phenomenon inalienably related to the following magnetic storm. The observed nighttime NmF2 enhancements at subauroral latitudes may result from plasma transfer from the plasma ring area by meridional thermospheric wind. Enhanced plasmaspheric fluxes into the nighttime F2-region resulted from westward substorm-associated electric fields is another possible source of nighttime NmF2 enhancements. Daytime positive Q-disturbances occurring under very low geomagnetic activity level may be related to the dayside cusp activity. 2009-03-17T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/4165 Title: EFFECTS OF ENERGETIC SOLAR PARTICLES ON OZONE AND MINOR ATMOSPHERIC COMPONENTS INSIDE THE POLAR REGIONS Authors: Damiani, A.; INAF-IFSI Abstract: Solar activity influences the Earth’s environment, in particular the atmospheric ozone, by the direct output of the e.m. radiation or through the variability of the incoming cosmic ray flux (solar and galactic particles). Especially energetic particles, arising from huge explosions on the Sun’s surface, travel in the interplanetary medium and, if the circumstances were favorable, they could enter the terrestrial atmosphere (driven by the geomagnetic field lines of our planet) and reach the polar cap regions (geomagnetic latitude > 60°). There, they provide additional external energy and are able to produce ionizations, dissociations, dissociative ionizations and excitations phenomena by interacting with the minor constituents. The induced changes are not confined to the ion chemistry but also to the neutral components. In this way a rise of the concentration of HOx and NOx species and the triggering of catalytic cycles which lead to short (hours) and medium (days) term ozone destruction occur. Finally, also no-reactive reservoir species (e.g., HNO3, HCl, HOCl) are involved in these processes and endure large variations. The present thesis highlights the chemical variability of the middle atmosphere during and after some Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events recorded during the current solar cycle. Special attention has been paid to the relationship between ozone and HOx data (retrieved from the Microwave Limb Sounder of EOS AURA satellite) for four events referred to 2005. The HOx data, recorded for the first time during the intense ionization caused by the SEP flux, have pointed out some features related to these phenomena not wholly captured by the current theoretical models. In addition, they have highlighted that the HOx rise is able to destroy the so-called third ozone peak at the polar latitudes of the winter hemisphere and it occurs also during medium intensity events. Besides, the analyses of January 2005 SEP events have shown that the changes on the hydrogen species leaded to variability in the concentration and partitioning of chlorine family, not discernible in the summer hemisphere. Further, the use of data coming from the HALOE instrument, referred to SEP events occurred in July 2000 and April 2002, has in short confirmed past experimental results. Finally, the study of a little SEP event occurred during May 2003 has pointed out that SEP events are not the unique ionization source inside the polar latitudes during the winter. 2007-11-30T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/1688 Title: Modelling the light-ion densities in the ionosphere Authors: Stankov, S. M.; Geophysical Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria Abstract: A steady-state theoretical model is used to obtain variations of the H+/O+ and He+/O+ density ratios in the upper ionosphere at middle latitudes. The model results are compared with the existing data from satellite measurements. Analytical functions are constructed approximating the latitude and altitude variations of these ratios. 1996-11-30T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2122/416 Title: Geochemical processes governing the chemistry of groundwater hosted within the Hyblean aquifers Authors: Grassa, F.; PhD Thesis Abstract: A raingauge network made of six stations was installed in the Hyblean region. Stations were located at different altitudes (from 5 m to 986 m a.s.l.) and along two directions (E-W and SW-NE). Rainwater samples were monthly collected for stable isotope measurements. Spatial distribution of rainwater isotope composition has confirmed the wet air masses move from South-East/South-West toward North. Water balance has highlighted that the annual volume of infiltrating waters is in the range of 1-1.5 *105 m3 Km-2. 82 well waters and 12 spring waters located within the Hyblean Plateau (South-Estern Sicily), were also collected from 1999 to 2001 during several surveys for chemical (major,minor and trace elements) analyses. Water chemistry allowed to identify two main aquifers: the first aquifer hosted within sedimentary rocks is characterized by earthalkaline bicarbonate waters, while the second aquifer, located within the volcanic deposits (mainly towards North- North-East) is characterized by groundwaters evolving from earthalkaline bicarbonate water-type towards a Na-HCO3-type. A slightly anomaly in water temperature (24-28°C) have been identified along the northern margin, while the lower Eh values have been recorded along the M.Lauro-Scicli and the Hyblean Malta Escarpment fault systems. Isotope composition of groundwaters has suggested the occurrence of evaporative processes during soil infiltration having a dD/d18O slope close to 4.5. Chemical and isotope composition of dissolved gases (d13CTDIC, d13CCH4, 3He/4He) have revealed, as expected, that deeply-derived gases rise along the main tectonic discontinuities. Chemical and isotope analyses of dissolved carbon have revealed the existence of two sampling sites (NA and FE samples) attesting the interaction between groundwaters and a consistent amount of deep inorganic carbon dioxide. He isotope ratios (from 0.81Ra to 6.19 Ra) have revealed the occurrence of mixing process, in different proportions, between crustal and mantle components. On the base of the obtained results, a clear picture of the groundwaters circulation within the Hyblean aquifers has been drawn. In framework of projecting of a geochemical network for the continuous monitoring of the local seismic activity the most suitable geochemical parameters and the sites of great interest have been identified. 2001-12-31T23:00:00Z