Thermosphere Structure Variations during High Solar and Magnetic Activity Conditions

摘要

Analyses of satellite accelerometer and rocket grenade and pitot tube data are performed to delineate the seasonal latitudinal variability of temperature and density between 80 and 120 km, and the latitude time dependence of temperature, density, and wind variability at satellite attitudes during geomagnetically disturbed conditions. A two cell pattern of neutral winds is inferred from the satellite data that intensifies and expands spatially in response to increased magnetic activity. Density variations during magnetically active conditions are characterized by density bulges and troughs, some of which remain quasi-stationary at high latitudes, and others which suggest wave propagation towards the equator. Monthly tabulations every 15 deg latitude of temperature, density, and pressure up to 120 km are provided which merge smoothly with the Air Force Reference Atmosphere in the 70-80 km height regime. Theoretical calculations are utilized to provide estimates of tidal variability about the mean values contained in the tables.