G. M. Lucas

The winter helium bulge revisited

A newly implemented helium module in the National Center for Atmospheric Research-Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics general circulation model offers the first opportunity in three decades to describe helium behavior in the context of a first principles, self-consistent model and to test early theories of wintertime helium bulge formation. This study shows general agreement with the findings of Reber and Hays (1973) but articulates the definitive role of vertical advection in the bulge formation. Our findings indicate vertical advection and molecular diffusion are the dominate processes responsible for the solstice helium distribution. Horizontal winds indirectly contribute to the helium bulge formation by their divergent wind field that leads to vertical winds in order to maintain thermosphere mass continuity. As a minor gas, thermospheric helium does not contribute to mass continuity and its distribution is dictated by more local interactions and constraints.

Analysis of the diurnal variation of the global electric circuit obtained from different numerical models

This work analyzes different current source and conductivity parameterizations and their influence on the diurnal variation of the global electric circuit (GEC). The diurnal variations of the current source parameterizations obtained using electric field and conductivity measurements from plane overflights combined with global TRMM satellite data give generally good agreement with measured diurnal variation of the electric field at Vostok, Antarctica, where reference experimental measurements are performed. An approach employing 85-GHz passive microwave observations to infer currents within the GEC is compared and shows the best agreement in amplitude and phase with experimental measurements. To study the conductivity influence, GEC models solving the continuity equation in 3-D are used to calculate atmospheric resistance using yearly averaged conductivity obtained from the global circulation model CESM. Then, using current source parameterization combining mean currents and global counts of electrified clouds, if the exponential conductivity is substituted by the conductivity from CESM, the peak to peak diurnal variation of the ionospheric potential of the GEC decreases from 24% to 20%. The main reason for the change is the presence of clouds while effects of 222Rn ionization, aerosols and topography are less pronounced. The simulated peak to peak diurnal variation of the electric field at Vostok is increased from 15% to 18% from the diurnal variation of the global current in the GEC if conductivity from CESM is used.

Statistical analysis of spatial and temporal variations in atmospheric electric fields from a regional array of field mills

Electric fields and currents of the global electric circuit have been measured at different locations and time periods around the globe, but a long-term analysis from a regional array of electric field mills has never been performed. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida has an array of over 30 electric field mills that have been continuously operating and archiving data for over 18 years. KSC is also instrumented with many meteorological towers. With this initial statistical analysis of a long-term dataset four unique observations are reported that encompass global as well as local effects. To quantitatively describe the effects, a model to determine near-surface electric fields, incorporating space charge and conductivity perturbations, is developed. Statistical autonomous grouping of the mills using the spatial array demonstrates a greater than 50 V/m spatial variation from coastal to inland mills caused by wind-advected space charge generated near the coast. A temporal analysis identified a strong, globally generated, diurnal signature but only a weak annual signal is found. A realistic limit on conductivity reductions within clouds is estimated by analyzing overhead cloud cover in relation to near-surface electric field strengths. The estimated in-cloud conductivity reduction of approximately 1/3 is similar to observations but appreciably less than values estimated from microphysical cloud estimates. Finally, an enhancement in the electric field at sunrise is statistically well correlated with low wind speeds and high relative humidities. This paper provides a statistical description of local environmental effects on near-surface electric fields by which to base future studies.