Comparison between MAVEN measurements and HELIOSARES coupled models

Abstract : Mars' MAVEN first measurements have clearly shown that heavy ion precipitation occur. One of the goals of MAVEN mission is to identify the different effects of this precipitation on Mars' atmosphere. In order to look for such effects, we will present a comparison between MAVEN observations and the results of modelling done by the HELIOSARES set of coupled models which describe the magnetosphere (hybrid magnetospheric model, LATHYS), the exosphere (Monte Carlo Exospheric General Model) and the atmosphere (LMD-GCM model). In particular, MAVEN provides the unique opportunity to couple observations of precipitation (STATIC, SWIA measurements) with observations of the exosphere (IUVS). In this work, we will present the comparison between these observations and HELIOSARES simulations and will show what can be deduced from the observations thanks to such comparison.