LAUSR

This paper reports the results of hybrid simulations of the Mars-solar wind interaction. The focus is on the role of the low altitude (<500km) electron temperature profile on the ionospheric chemistry, dynamics, and loss rates of oxygen ions. It is found that the loss rates of O+ and O2+ from the Martian ionosphere are changed depending on the electron temperature profile being used. Test simulations show that diamagnetic effects (specifically the ambipolar electric field) are an important part of the solar wind interaction with Mars.