Atmospheric Structure and Its Variations in the Region from 25 to 120 Km

Atmospheric Structure and Its Variations in the Region from 25 to 120 Km
Author: Gerald V. Groves
Publisher:
Total Pages: 214
Release: 1971
Genre: Atmosphere
ISBN:

This report has been prepared as part of the activities of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) panel on a new reference atmosphere, which will aid in the design of aircraft, missiles and satellites. It combines a review of observational results obtained over approximately the last six years on temperature, pressure, density and winds with new models for the seasonal and latitudinal dependence of these parameters at heights from 25 km to the lower thermosphere. The temperature, pressure and density models extend from 25 to 110 km and are identical with those previously given in Report AFCRL-70-0261, May 1970 (Air Force Surveys in Geophysics, No. 218). W-E wind models are presented separately for the regions 25 to 60 km and 60 to (approximately) 120 km. Three W-E wind models from 25 to 60 km are presented corresponding to N. American data, European/W. Asian data, and S. Hemisphere data. A model for the quasi-biennial oscillation in W-E winds at low latitudes is given. Other variations, such as diurnal (tidal) variations, and S-N winds are dealt with in the review of observational data.

Atmospheric Structure and Its Variations in the Lower Thermosphere

Atmospheric Structure and Its Variations in the Lower Thermosphere
Author: K. S. W. Champion
Publisher:
Total Pages: 36
Release: 1963
Genre: Atmosphere
ISBN:

This is a report prepared for the intermediate altitude region (the lower thermosphere, lying between about 100 and 200 km). This region dif fers considerably from the lowest one, in which the volume of data makes statistical methods of analysis appropriate. For the highest region, a considerable amount of satellite data is available and the behavior of the atmosphere is reasonably well understood. Some rocket data is available for the lower thermosphere, but most of the meas uring instruments are experimental and a major part of the data analysis consists in studying the physics of the various corrections or calibra tion factors required. At the upper end of the altitude regime some satellite data is available. New density data includes the results from flights of two types of falling spheres, results from the diffusion of chemical clouds, and data from drag effects on three satellites with perigee altitudes near 200 km. The satellite data indicates a de pendence of density on the value of the magnetic A sub p index. Otherwise, the data shows more variation with the method of measurement and data reduction than actual variation of the atmosphere. (Author).