Determination of the Vibrational Temperature of N2 in the E and F Atmospheric Regions

Summarizing the results of this effort, the vibrational energy content of atmospheric N2 has been determined through numerical integration of the time-dependent species continuity equations and the species equation of motion. Generalized diffusion through the nonuniform thermosphere was included. Sources of excitation included the reaction of atomic nitrogen with NO, and the quenching of O(singlet D). Loss mechanisms used in the calculations were VT energy transfer to atomic oxygen, and VV exchange to CO2. The results predict a vibrational temperature of about 300 K at 100 km altitude, and less than 1500 K at 300 km, both at noontime, in good agreement with values derived from positive-ion data for a quiet atmosphere and with recent rocket-probe measurements. (Author) Supercedes report dated Jul 72, AD-750 299.