UPPER-ATMOSPHERE ROTATIONAL SPEED AND ITS VARIATION WITH HEIGHT.
Abstract
The average rotational speed of the upper atmosphere can be determined by analysing the changes in the orbital inclinations of satellites. This procedure is applied to eleven new orbits to give values of Lambda, the ratio of atmospheric angular velocity to the Earth's angular velocity, at heights between 250 and 380 km. When these new results are combined with 21 previous values the variation of Lambda with height can be determined over a much wider height range than was previously possible, namely from 200 to 400 km. It is found that Lambda increases from about 1.1 at 200 km height to about 1.35 at 300 km, and about 1.45 at 400 km. This implies that the wind is, on average, from west-to-east, with its mean speed increasing from 40 m/s at 200 km height to 180 m/s at 400 km (for latitudes near 30 degrees). There is no evidence that Lambda varies from year to year or with solar activity. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0704776
Entities
People
- Desmond King-Hele
- Diana W. Scott
- Doreen Walker
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment