Studies of the Effects of Vibrationally Excited Species on the Upper Atmospheres of the Earth and Planets

提出的研究是关于分子的振动激发对发生在地球热层和电离层的化学反应的影响。先前反应在振动激发中保留的能量影响分子随后的化学反应速率；气辉和极光发射光谱；反应产物的动能。反应产物中足够的能量将在地球周围产生热原子日冕，并提高从大气层顶部逃逸的速度。模式大气的数值模拟将包括分子振动的基本数据，以及来自地面仪器、火箭、卫星和宇宙飞船的数据。这项研究的结果将促进我们对高层大气物理过程的理解，以及我们使用气辉和极光测量作为诊断它们的能力。首席检察官是一位很有前途的年轻女性，她已经在这个领域表现出了能力和生产力。

The proposed research is concerned with the effects of the vibrational excitation of molecules on the chemical reactions taking place in the thermosphere and ionosphere of the earth. The energy retained in vibrational excitation from previous reactions affects the subsequent chemical reaction rates of the molecules; the spectrum of airglow and auroral emissions; and the kinetic energy of the reaction products. Sufficient energy in reaction products will produce hot atom coronas around the earth and enhanced rates of escape from the top of the atmosphere. The numerical modelling of model atmospheres is to include basic data on the vibration of molecules, together with data from ground based instruments, rockets, satellites and spacecraft. The result of this research will advance our understanding of physical processes in the upper atmosphere, and our ability to use airglow and auroral measurements as a diagnostic on them. The PI is a young woman with considerable promise who has already demonstrated competence and productivity in this field.