Parameterization of monoenergetic electron impact ionization
Fang, X., Randall, C. E., Lummerzheim, D., Wang, W., Lu, G., Solomon, S. C., & Frahm, R. A. (2010). Parameterization of monoenergetic electron impact ionization. Geophysical Research Letters, 37, L22106. doi:10.1029/2010GL045406
We report a new parameterization of ionization in the Earth's atmosphere by isotropically precipitating monoenergetic (100 eV to 1 MeV) electrons. This new parameterization is the first one based on sophisticated first-principle models, and represents a significant improvement in accuracy, partic... Show moreWe report a new parameterization of ionization in the Earth's atmosphere by isotropically precipitating monoenergetic (100 eV to 1 MeV) electrons. This new parameterization is the first one based on sophisticated first-principle models, and represents a significant improvement in accuracy, particularly for incident auroral and lower energies. Without previous need to interpolate over source energy and atmospheric range, the new parameterization provides an easier implementation with a robust fit of model calculations for a wide range of incident energies and atmospheric conditions. By decomposing any incident energy spectrum into contiguous monoenergetic components and then calculating and integrating their resulting ionization, our parameterization is a valuable tool that can be used in conjunction with global models to accurately quantify the impact from realistic precipitating electrons during space weather events. Show less