Possible Master-Thesis Topic
Model studies of electrons and ions in the
middle atmosphere
Description: The chemistry of ions in the Earth’s atmosphere is quite complex. Detailed
time-consuming models such as the University of Bremen Ion Chemistry Model are
needed to simulate the ionic composition in detail. However, it is possible to calculate
electron and ion densities by much simpler approaches. The purpose of this thesis work
is to develop a simple and fast model of charged species in the Earth’s middle
atmosphere (from stratosphere to lower thermosphere), and to use this model to
calculate electron and ion densities. The model will allow studying the effects of
energetic extraterrestrial particles, solar extreme ultraviolet radiation, and electric
discharges. A particular question that will be addressed is the response of the electron
densities to geomagnetic sub-storms, including comparison with measurement data (in
collaboration with University of Osnabrück). During the thesis work, one would have to
deal with the concepts of chemical reaction kinetics, and some simple numerical
methods will be applied. The model will be written in FORTRAN, but it is not necessary
to already know this programming language. There will be close support by the
supervisor.
Contact: Holger Winkler, Office: U3225, [email protected]