Other
Scientific paper
Apr 1973
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1973p%26ss...21..593c&link_type=abstract
Planetary and Space Science, Volume 21, Issue 4, p. 593-604.
Other
1
Scientific paper
Detailed numerical calculations of thermospheric heat sources and sinks are presented and their relative importance is discussed in reference to the energy balance phenomena of the neutral atmosphere. It is shown that the thermal energy available from the absorption in the Schumann-Runge continuum leading to photo-dissociation of O2 is by far the largest energy source in the lower thermosphere. Other sources of varying importance in different altitude ranges are: (1) energy from photoelectrons; (2) energy exchange from thermal plasma; (3) chemical reaction (ion-electron dissociative recombination) energy gain; (4) kinetic and dissipative energy associated with the neutral wind. The energy sinks of importance are (1) thermal conduction at the lower boundary (120km); and (2) radiative cooling of atomic oxygen. It is shown that the combined energy from processes 2-4 constitutes only a small fraction of the total energy available from photoelectrons and is in phase with the latter. These secondary sources (processes 2-4), therefore, do not constitute a significant energy source and their contribution can be simply incorporated into photoelectron energy (process 1) by defining an effective photo-ionization heating efficiency. The heating efficiencies for photo-ionization (including processes 2-4) and photo-dissociation are estimated to be 0.5 and 0.3, respectively. As the important heat input (photo-dissociation) and loss (conduction and radiation) rates are basically governed by the O2 and O densities, any diurnal or seasonal variation in these constituents at the lower boundary would have profound effects on the thermal structure of the overlying atmosphere. For this and other reasons, it is suggested that a choice of lower boundary much below 120km, e.g. near the mesopause level (90 km), should be more appropriate for general thermospheric studies.
Chandra Sharat
Krishna Sinha A.
No associations
LandOfFree
The diurnal heat budget of the thermosphere does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The diurnal heat budget of the thermosphere, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The diurnal heat budget of the thermosphere will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-851241