Ionospheres: Physics, Plasma Physics, and Chemistry

This combination of text and reference book describes the physical, plasma and chemical processes controlling the behavior of ionospheres, upper atmospheres and exospheres. It summarizes the structure, chemistry, dynamics and energetics of the terrestrial ionosphere and other solar system bodies, and discusses the processes, mechanisms and transport equations for solving fundamental research problems. This second edition incorporates new results, model developments and interpretations from the last 10 years. It includes the latest material on neutral atmospheres; the terrestrial ionosphere at low, middle and high latitudes; and planetary atmospheres and ionospheres, where results from recent space missions have yielded fresh data. Appendices outline physical constants, mathematical formulas, transport coefficients, and other important parameters for ionospheric calculations. This is an essential resource for researchers studying ionospheres, upper atmospheres, aeronomy and plasma physics. It is also an ideal textbook for graduate-level courses, with supplementary problem sets, and solutions for instructors at www.cambridge.org/9780521877060.

Andrew Nagy has been on the faculty of the University of Michigan since 1963, serving as a professor of Space Science and Electrical Engineering, Associate Vice President for Research (1987–1990), and Director of the Space Physics Research Laboratory (1990–1992). He has over forty years of experience in both theoretical and experimental studies of the upper atmospheres, ionospheres and magnetospheres of the Earth and planets, and has been principal and co-investigator and interdisciplinary scientist on a variety of space missions. Professor Nagy has chaired or been a member of over 40 national and international committees and boards. He was President of the Space Physics and Aeronomy Section of the AGU. He is a Fellow of the AGU, a member of the International Academy of Astronautics, has given the AGU Nicolet Lecture (1998), and received the NASA Public Service Medal (1983) and the Attwood (1998) and the Distinguished Faculty Achievement Awards (2003) from the University of Michigan.