A modified CTIP model and comparisons with DMSP satellite data

Abstract

The coupled thermosphere–ionosphere–plasmasphere (CTIP) model is a three–dimensional model that solves equations of continuity, momentum and energy balance to calculate ion and electron concentrations, temperatures and field–aligned velocities. The University of Sheffield version of the CTIP model has been modified in order to include a third atomic ion, He+. Data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) are used to compare and validate the results from the modified CTIP model. The modified CTIP model is shown to reproduce He+ distributions as seen in the data.