Zonally averaged chemical-dynamical model of the lower thermosphere

Journal Article · Tue Oct 20 04:00:00 EDT 1981 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JC086iC10p09641· OSTI ID:5671644

Kasting, J F; Roble, R G

A zonally averaged numerical model of the thermosphere is used to examine the coupling between neutral composition, including N/sub 2/, O/sub 2/ and O, temperature, and winds at solstice for solar minimum conditions. The meridional circulation forced by solar heating results in a summer-to-winter flow, with a winter enhancement in atomic oxygen density that is a factor of about 1.8 greater than the summer hemisphere at 160 km. The O/sub 2/ and N/sub 2/ variations are associated with a latitudinal gradient in total number density, which is required to achieve pressure balance in the presence of large zonal jets. Latitudinal profiles OI (5577A) green line emission intensity are calculated by using both Chapman and Barth mechanisms. Composition of the lower thermosphere is shown to be strongly influenced by circulation patterns initiated in the stratosphere and lower mesosphere, below the lower boundary used in the model.

• Research Organization: National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado 80307
• OSTI ID: 5671644
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 86:C10; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640200* -- Atmospheric Physics
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
CHEMISTRY
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELEMENTS
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATIONS
LATITUDE EFFECT
NONMETALS
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
OXYGEN
PHOTOCHEMISTRY
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
THERMOSPHERE
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
VARIATIONS
WIND