Tidal Effects on the Longitudinal Structures of the Martian Thermosphere and Topside Ionosphere Observed by MAVEN

Longitudinal structures in the Martian thermosphere and topside ionosphere between 150 and 200 km altitudes are studied using in situ electron and neutral measurements from the NASA Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission. Four time intervals are selected for comparison, during which MAVEN sampled similar local time (9.3-10.3 h) and latitude (near 20 degrees S) regions but at different solar longitude positions (two near northern summer solstice, one each at northern vernal and autumnal equinoxes). Persistent and pronounced tidal oscillations characterize the ionosphere and thermosphere, whose longitudinal variations in density are generally in-phase with each other. Our analysis of simultaneous and collocated neutral and electron data provides direct observational evidence for thermosphere-ionosphere coupling through atmospheric tides. We conclude that the ionosphere is subject to modulation by upward-propagating thermal tides, via both tide-induced vertical displacement and photochemical reactions. Atmospheric tides constitute a ubiquitous and significant perturbation source to the ionospheric electron density, up to similar to 15% near 200 km.

Automated summary

Longitudinal structures in the Martian thermosphere and topside ionosphere show persistent and pronounced tidal oscillations between 150 and 200 km altitudes, with density variations generally in-phase. Analysis of observational data provides evidence for thermosphere-ionosphere coupling through atmospheric tides, modulating the ionosphere via upward-propagating thermal tides and photochemical reactions. Atmospheric tides constitute a significant perturbation source to the ionospheric electron density, up to 15% near 200 km.