A simulation on the global mean structure of the ionosphere and thermosphere

In this paper, we examine the global mean structures of the ionosphere and thermosphere for geomagnetic quiet condition using a new global three-dimensional self-consistent model of the ionosphere and thermosphere (GCITEM-IGGCAS, Global Coupled Ionosphere-Thermosphere-Electrodynamics Model, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences). GCITEM-IGGCAS self-consistently calculates the time-dependent three-dimensional structures of the main parameters of the ionosphere and thermosphere for the height range from 90 to 600 km. For example, neutral number density of O₂, N₂, O, N(²D), N(⁴S), NO, He and Ar; ion number densities of O⁺, O₂⁺, N₂⁺, NO⁺, N⁺ and electron; neutral, electron and ion temperature; neutral wind; and ionospheric electric fields. We simulates the main features of the global mean structures of the ionosphere and thermosphere using this model, and the simulated results agree well with the empirical models. We also simulate the seasonal variations of the global mean structures of the ionosphere and thermosphere in this paper.