A dynamic model of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere
Document ID: 52
Kenshea, T. J.
Zimmerman, S. P.
Philbrick, C. Russell
USAF, Geophysics Laboratory, Hanscom AFB, Bedford, MA, U.S.A.
Abstract
A one-dimensional, time-dependent calculation which includes the dynamics of turbulence has been developed. The dynamical parameters together with the mass density and temperature structure measured during the ALADDIN I program are inputs to the calculations of the vertical distribution of [O], [02], [O2(1Δ8)], [OH] and [Ar] between 50 and 150 km. The results of the calculations are compared with measurements of these species distributions made during the ALADDIN I program and are also related to reported results at other times. Good to excellent agreement is found when the calculated profiles are compared with the measurements. This agreement supports the contention of the authors that the turbulent parameters measured from chemical trail fluctuations are due to atmospheric turbulence and are appropriate for use in model calculations. Significant changes in species concentrations occur when the eddy diffusion coefficient is increased. In particular, an increase in molecular oxygen and a reduction in atomic oxygen and helium are noted.
| Citation: | "A dynamic model of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere", Kenshea, T. J., S. P. Zimmerman, C. R. Philbrick, Planetary and Space Science, Vol. 27, Number 4, Elsevier, 1979, pp. 385 - 401 |