Midnight density and temperature maxima, and thermospheric dynamics in Whole Atmosphere Model simulations

Details Midnight density and temperature maxima, and thermospheric dynamics in Whole Atmosphere Model simulations Midnight density and temperature maxima, and thermospheric dynamics in Whole Atmosphere Model simulations

Aug 2010

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010jgra..11508326a&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 115, Issue A8, CiteID A08326

Physics

8

Atmospheric Processes: Thermospheric Dynamics (0358), Atmospheric Processes: Tides And Planetary Waves, Ionosphere: Ionosphere/Atmosphere Interactions (0335), Space Weather: Satellite Drag (1241)

Scientific paper

Hydrostatic expansion in a gravity field of an atmospheric layer with elevated temperatures, such as the long known thermospheric midnight temperature maximum (MTM), results in a total mass density increase at a given altitude above the layer. Long-term simulations with the Whole Atmosphere Model reveal a noticeable midnight density maximum (MDM), appropriately lagging behind the MTM at the same height. The MDM magnitude, timing, and variability are in good agreement with available in-situ observations. Of particular importance is the observation of a downward phase progression of the MDM peak time obtained from the San Marco satellites and closely reproduced in the model results. This is consistent with the suggestion, made over 30 years ago, that both the MTM and MDM are driven by tidal waves, in particular, the terdiurnal tide propagating upward from the lower atmosphere and interacting with a diurnally varying ion drag. The accompanying wind variations are also found in good agreement with radar observations, which first related them to the nighttime ionosphere collapse in the early 1970s.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Midnight density and temperature maxima, and thermospheric dynamics in Whole Atmosphere Model simulations 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 Midnight density and temperature maxima, and thermospheric dynamics in Whole Atmosphere Model simulations, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Midnight density and temperature maxima, and thermospheric dynamics in Whole Atmosphere Model simulations will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-982558