The Rotation Rate of the Upper Atmosphere: A Nonlinear Effect.
Abstract
In order to study the apparent super-rotation of the earth's upper atmosphere, one examines a non-linear solution to the continuity, momentum conservation and state equations of gasdynamics for the steady state motion of a gravitationally stratified, cylindrical, inviscid atmosphere under the influence of a steady state, local time dependent temperature distribution. The resultant flow field can be understood in terms of angular momentum conservation of air masses: heated, rising air decreases its rotation rate and cooled, falling air increases its rotation rate. The local-time average of the differential rotation rate may give rise to an apparent altitude dependent super-rotation. Comparison with observations is presented. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 02, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0725734
Entities
People
- Yam T. Chiu
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation