  Energetic electrons from the magnetosphere deposit their energy in the
atmosphere and lead to production of nitric oxide (NO) in the mesosphere and
lower thermosphere. We study the atmospheric NO response to a geomagnetic storm
in April 2010 with WACCM (Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model). Modeled NO
is compared to observations by Solar Occultation For Ice Experiment/Aeronomy of
Ice in the Mesosphere at 72-82$^{\circ}$S latitudes. We investigate the modeled
NOs sensitivity to changes in energy and chemistry. The electron energy model
input is either a parameterization of auroral electrons or a full range energy
spectrum (1-750 keV) from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Polar
Orbiting Environmental Satellites and European Organisation for the
Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites/Meteorological Operational
satellites. To study the importance of ion chemistry for the production of NO,
WACCM-D, which has more complex ion chemistry, is used. Both standard WACCM and
WACCM-D underestimate the storm time NO increase in the main production region
(90-110 km), using both electron energy inputs. At and below 80 km, including
medium-energy electrons ($>$30 keV) is important both for NO directly produced
at this altitude region and for NO transported from other regions (indirect
effect). By using WACCM-D the direct NO production is improved, while the
indirect effects on NO suffer from the downward propagating deficiency above.
In conclusion, both a full range energy spectrum and ion chemistry is needed
throughout the mesosphere and lower thermosphere region to increase the direct
and indirect contribution from electrons on NO.
