Diffusive equilibrium distributions of He+ in the plasmasphere

Recent satellite observations of thermal ion composition in the near-equatorial plasmasphere have shown that He+ comprises 5-10% typically and occasionally 25% or more of the total thermal ion density. A steady state diffusive equilibrium model for the distributions of H+, He+ and O+ along a plasmaspheric flux tube is used to elicit effects that may help explain these observed high He+ fractional concentrations. The model indicates that both the ionospheric composition and the temperature distribution along the flux tubes are important factors controlling the equatorial He+ composition, through the plasma scale height and thermal diffusion effects. Direct comparison of the model results with thermal ion observations by ISEE-1 indicates that the effects incorporated into the model may explain some of the elevated He+ concentrations. In some instances, however, effects not included in the model may also be of importance. (author)