Local Electron Density Depletions in the Martian Ionosphere

Abstract:

Survey of local electron density profiles of Martian ionosphere through Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS) provided around 500 locations where a substantial decrease, or complete absence of the local electron density is observed.

Comparisons with the Analyzer of Space Plasmas and Energetic Atoms (ASPERA-3) Electron Spectrometer data shows that in about 10 % of the cases the electron flux is at low energies is decreased significantly. In about 40 % of the local electron density depletions correspond to the electron flux enhancements. In both cases, the open crustal magnetic field lines are observed under the depletion regions.

In this study, we investigate different processes, which would cause the depletions in the electron density local to the spacecraft. We provide the changes in other data, such as the peak electron density, magnetic field magnitude. We also provide statistical information on their location, altitude, solar zenith angle.