Continued Studies of Polar Cap Thermospheric Dynamics
Abstract
The primary scientific goal for the Thule Greenland optical facility was to acquire measurements of upper thermospheric winds and temperatures during the dark optical observing season. The data acquired by the Fabry-Perot interferometer has been used to extend the thermospheric database coverage for Thule from the initial December 1985 period to the conclusion of the 1990/91 observing season. The initial observations have been used in concert with the NCAR Thermospheric General Circulation Model to improve the understanding of the thermodynamics of the polar cap ionosphere. The airglow facility at Thule AB is the high-latitude anchor of a latitudinal chain of Fabry Perot interferometer stations devoted to observing the OI (6300A) emission feature. Thus, the F region measurements obtained at Thule AB provide valuable data in a global effort at improving our understanding of the dynamic state of the upper atmosphere.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA280948
Entities
People
- R. J. Niciejewski
- T. L. Killeen
Organizations
- University of Michigan