PROCESSES FOR METEORIC ELEMENTS IN E-REGION

Ionization and loss mechanisms for meteoric elements are discussed. The relative behavior of the various species is related to information compiled on the relevant bond energies and ionization potentials. It is argued that atomic oxygen prevents the buildup of ionic and neutral oxides of meteoric species in the E-region, with sulfur a main exception. It is suggested that MgO2+ + O → MgO+ + O2 and FeO2+ + O → FeO+ + O2 are exothermic reactio but that the process SiO2+ + O → SiO+ + O2 may be endothermic. For the alkali ions, it is argued that the processes Li+, Na+, K+ + O3 → LiO+, NaO+,KO+ + O2 are endothermic possible role of radiative association is discussed. © 1969.