Direct, Indirect, and Catalytic Contributions of N2(A) to Thermospheric Nitric Oxide

Justin Yonker

Hollins University

Nitric oxide (NO) cools the thermosphere, terminates the ion chain in the E-region, and catalytically destroys ozone in the stratosphere. The reaction between the first electronically excited state of molecular nitrogen, N2(A), and atomic oxygen is best known for its role in producing the auroral green line, but evidence has accrued for an NO product channel. In this talk, this reaction is implemented into a photochemical model and three pathways to NO production are identified. Uncertainties in the model reaction rates, branching ratios, and electron impact cross sections are discussed.