The distribution of minor ions in electrostatic equilibrium in the high atmosphere

Abstract

The distribution of an atmospheric ionic constituent in electrostatic equilibrium with electrons is well known, having been described long ago by Pannekoek and Rosseland, as noted by Van de Hülst [1953]. In an atmosphere of a given temperature the ionized constituent has a scale height twice that of its corresponding neutral form. We generalize the discussion for application to an atmosphere having more than one species of ion present, in accordance with a comment by P. J. Kellogg, of the University of Minnesota, that behavior of light minor ions in the atmosphere should be strongly affected by the presence of heavy ions.