Chemical model for mid-summer lidar observations of mesospheric potassium over the Arecibo Observatory

Abstract

To understand the mid-summer nocturnal mesospheric K layer over the Arecibo Observatory (18.35°N, 66.75°W) a one dimensional model has been developed. Focusing on nights with no sporadic layer activity, we identify possible molecular reservoirs and sinks in the K layer using ab initio calculations to estimate the thermochemistry. Reactions KN2+ + O, KN2+ + CO2, and KHCO3 + H play primary roles in the chemistry of ionic and neutral potassium in the mesospheric cycle. The predominant potassium species is KHCO3 as a result of the influence of odd oxygen/ hydrogen chemistry. The study of the metal layer contributes to a better understanding of chemical and dynamic changes that affect atmospheric composition. Copyright 2006 by the American Geophysical Union.