Basic Ionization, Airglow and Auroral Processes

研究人员将计算氧原子在基态和亚稳态中的速度分布，作为地面大气中海拔的函数。在之前的工作中，研究人员开发了一套计算机代码，使他们能够计算高能原子作为大气高度函数的平衡速度分布。它们将被用来确定高能原子碰撞中的能量转移，其中适当地考虑了能量转移截面与散射角的关系。他们还将研究紫外线在大气中的传输，重点是吸收截面的温度依赖性。这是高能原子及其对大气化学和演化影响的理论研究的继续。

The investigators will calculate the velocity distribution of oxygen atoms in the ground and metastable states as functions of altitude in the terrestrial atmosphere. In previous work, the investigators have developed a set of computer codes that will enable them to compute the equilibrium velocity distributions of energetic atoms as a function of altitude in the atmosphere. These will be used to determine the transfer of energy in collisions of energetic atoms that take proper account of the dependence of the energy transfer cross sections on the scattering angle. They will also study the transmission of ultraviolet radiation through the atmosphere with a focus on the temperature dependence of the absorption cross sections. This is a continuation of theoretical studies of energetic atoms and their effects on the chemistry and evolution of the atmosphere.