A Three-Dimensional Model of the Thermosphere with Auroral Heating,
Abstract
A three-dimensional steady state model of the dynamics of the upper atmosphere is developed by the simultaneous solution of the equations of continuity, conservation of momentum, and conservation of energy over the entire upper atmosphere. Detailed consideration is given to the diffusion processes, the shear stresses, and the energy transport mechanisms, and to the thermal conductivity and viscosity effects in a multicomponent mixture. The resulting system of equations is solved by a digital computer to yield realistic values for the temperatures, densities, and nighttime winds in the upper atmosphere. The daytime winds are overestimated by about a factor of three, since the effects due to collisions with ionized components were neglected. A reasonable profile of the auroral heating input during solar storms is incorporated into the model and the effect produced by this heating on the upper atmosphere is evaluated. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0758733
Entities
People
- Raivo Vest
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University