NASA NTRS · 19840058836
Thermospheric superrotation revisited
Abstract
The characteristics of thermospheric superrotation and accompanying latitudinal variations in temperature and composition are examined theoretically. Superrotation was measured by the Dynamics Explorer 2 satellite, which provided data for the atmospheric rotational velocity with respect to that of the planet for all seasons for 300-350 km altitudes. Zonally averaged circulation is described with momentum equations. A spectral model covers the superrotation, and account is taken of symmetric radiative and auroral components, asymmetric ion drag, an asymmetric pressure gradient and a viscous component. The horizontal wind field of the diurnal tide and diurnal variations in ion density which produce a momentum source are the largest contributors to superrotation at low and midlatitudes.
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Mayr, H. G., Harris, I., Hedin, A. E., Spencer, N. W., Wharton, L. E.. 1984-07-01. Thermospheric superrotation revisited. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19840058836
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