Ionospheric loss from Mars as predicted by hybrid particle simulations

Abstract

This paper reports the results of hybrid simulations of the Mars-solar wind interaction. The focus is on the loss rates of O⁺ and O₂⁺ from the Martian ionosphere while examining the importance of including 3-D dimensional neutral atmospheres with their associated neutral winds. The simulation loss rates are found to be in excellent agreement with loss rates reported by Lundin et al. (2013). Further, the results follow the functional form of the loss rates versus solar EUV as determined by Lundin et al. (2013). This paper will discuss numerical issues as well as the implementation of 3-D neutral atmospheres, including neutral winds and corotation flows.