Turbulent diffusion variability and implications for the upper thermosphere

Details Turbulent diffusion variability and implications for the upper thermosphere Turbulent diffusion variability and implications for the upper thermosphere

Oct 1992

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992adspr..12...45f&link_type=abstract

(The earth's middle and upper atmosphere; Proceedings of the Topical Meeting of the Interdisciplinary Scientific Commission C /M

Physics

5

Atmospheric Tides, Atmospheric Turbulence, Gravity Waves, Thermosphere, Upper Atmosphere, Atmospheric Diffusion, Atmospheric General Circulation Models, Mesosphere, Nitric Oxide, Temperature Distribution

Scientific paper

The (eddy diffusion) mixing process in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere result from a number of poorly defined mechanisms. These include the passage and dissipation of gravity waves, the nonlinear interactions of planetary scale waves, and tidal oscillations. These effects mainly arise from the propagation of dynamical and energetic processes within the lower levels of the atmosphere. The sources are variable, and the progation characteristics through the atmosphere vary, altering the degree of mixing by turbulent eddies. One dimensional numerical simulations indicate that a local increase in turbulence causes the mesosphere and thermosphere to cool, despite turbulent heat dissipation, pushing the temperature profile toward the dry adiabatic lapse rate. Increased mixing of the species raises the height of the turbopause and increases the ratio of heavy to light species on the upper thermosphere pressure surfaces. The temperature decrease, however, reduces the number densities of all species at a fixed height. Hemispherical asymmetry in turbulent mixing creates a latitudinal temperature and pressure gradient which drives a global circulation pattern. The downwelling associated with this circulation increases the concentration of NO by a factor of ten in th mesosphere in the vicinity of the highest turbulence.

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