Semi-empirical model of middle atmosphere wind from the ground to the lower thermosphere

During recent years, special attention has been paid to understanding the background circulation of the middle atmosphere. Particularly in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere (MLT) region, this has involved including data from a range of new radar measurements. It has also involved the comparison of existing empirical middle atmosphere wind models, such as CIRA-86 and HWM-93 to the new data. This has led to the construction of empirical models of MLT winds such as the Global Empirical Wind Model (GEWM). Further investigations are aimed at the construction of new empirical and semi-empirical wind models of the entire middle atmosphere including these new experimental results. The results of a new wind climatology (0–100 km) are presented here, based upon the GEWM, a reanalysis of stratospheric data, and a numerical model which is used to fill the gap between data from the stratospheric and MLT regions.     

Models of Venus neutral upper atmosphere: Structure and composition

Models of the Venus neutral upper atmosphere, based on both in-situ and remote sensing measurements, are provided for the height interval from 100 to 3,500 km. The general approach in model formulation was to divide the atmosphere into three regions: 100 to 150 km, 150 to 250 km, and 250 to 3,500 km. Boundary conditions at 150 km are consistent with both drag and mass spectrometer measurements. A paramount consideration was to keep the models simple enough to be used conveniently. Available observations are reviewed. Tables are provided for density, temperature, composition (CO₂, O, CO, He, N, N₂, and H), derived quantities, and day-to-day variability as a function of solar zenith angle on the day- and nightsides.Estimates are made of other species, including O₂ and D. Other tables provide corrections for solar activity effects on temperature, composition, and density. For the exosphere, information is provided on the vertical distribution of normal thermal components (H, O, C, and He) as well as the hot components (H, N, C, O) on the day- and nightsides.     

Neutral upper atmospheres of Venus and Mars

Numerous measurements of the neutral upper atmosphere above 100 km have been made from spacecraft over Venus and over Mars. The Venus exospheric temperatures are unexpectedly low (less than 300°K near noon and less than 130°K near midnight). These very low temperatures may be partially caused by collisional excitation of CO₂ vibrational states by atomic oxygen and partially by eddy cooling. The Venus atmosphere is unexpectedly insensitive to solar EUV variability. On the other hand, the Martian dayside exospheric temperature varies from 150°K to 400°K over the 11-year solar cycle, where CO₂ 15-μm cooling may be less effective because of lower atomic oxygen mixing ratios. On Venus, temperature increases with altitude on the dayside (thermosphere), but decreases with altitude from 100 to 150 km on the nightside (cryosphere). However, dayside Martian temperatures near solar minimum for maximum planet-sun distance and low solar activity are essentially isothermal from 40 km to 200 km. During high solar activity, the thermospheric temperatures of Mars sharply increase. The Venus neutral upper atmosphere contains CO₂, O, CO, C, N₂, N, He, H, D and hot nonthermal H, O, C, and N, while the dayside Mars neutral upper atmosphere contains CO₂, O, O₂, CO, C, N₂, He, H, and Ar. There is evidence on Venus for inhibited day-to-night transport as well as superrotation of the upper atmosphere. Both atmospheres have substantial wave activity. Various theoretical models used to interpret the planetary atmospheric data are discussed.     

Properties of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere

The variability and systematic variations of the properties of the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere are probably the least well known aspects of the terrestrial atmosphere. Satellite measurements of this region are very limited and rocket and remote sounding techniques do not provide comprehensive coverage. Progress is being made in theoretical studies of this region, primarily with regard to tidal effects, and some progress is being made in analyzing the relatively sparse experimental data that are available. Turbulence dynamics of the region has been studied by analyzing structure measurements at Kwajalein, wind data from Natal and systematic variations of the turbopause altitude determined from measurements of the diffusive separation of argon. One question that is being raised at this time, and it is appropriate at a time near solar maximum, is the extent of solar activity control of the properties of this region of the atmosphere. The occurrence rates and magnitudes of the turbulent diffusivity in the 70 to 90 km altitude region appear to correlate with solar activity with a time lag, as do also the incidence of aurora and the atomic oxygen green line intensity. Solar cycle dependence has been identified in mean zonal wind speeds in the 65 to 110 km altitude region above Saskatoon and in lower thermosphere temperatures measured at Heiss Island and at St. Santin. Millstone Hill data show that the mean meridional wind changes during a solar cycle. Solar cycle variations have also been detected in the stratosphere and troposphere.     

The optical parameters of the atmosphere of Venus

This work is devoted to the derivation of the optical properties of the Venus atmosphere from “Venera-10” optical measurements. Within the framework of a two-layer model of Venus atmosphere it is found that in the spectral interval 0.52 – 0.85 μm the optical thickness of the upper cloud layer is ≈ 50 and the optical parameters of the lower layer are similar to the Rayleigh ones. Comparison is made between the measurements of radiation field within the atmosphere and the results of strict calculations. A preliminary conclusion is suggested that there are considerable numbers of aerosol particles with a radius ? 0.03 μm in the lower layer. The results of the upper boundary of the cloud layer is estimated to be ≈ 70 km.     

Properties of the mesosphere and thermosphere and comparison with CIRA 72

Exospheric temperatures of several reference atmosphere are reviewed and a recommendation is made for the exospheric temperature of a proposed mean CIRA. One of the deficiencies of CIRA 72 and other present thermospheric models is the representation of density changes with geomagnetic activity. This deficiency is illustrated with samples of data. The data show the effects of geomagnetic activity, particle precipitation, a solar proton event, and gravity waves. An empirical model developed from the unique AFGL satellite density data bank using multiple linear regression is reviewed. The present model is for low to moderate solar flux and quiet geomagnetic conditions, but it is planned to extend the model to active conditions. Good progress has been made since CIRA 72 was specified in our knowledge and understanding of the properties of the lower thermosphere, although there are still some unresolved problems. The biggest progress has been made in the theory of tidal effects and of particulate energy deposition and of electrojet heating. On the other hand, it is still not possible to define adequately the systematic variations of the lower boundary conditions of thermospheric models. This is due to lack of knowledge of the systematic variations of the structure properties in the 100 to 120 km altitude region and inadequate information on the mesospheric turbulence profile and variations in the turbopause altitude.     

Properties of the neutral density and composition in the thermosphere

Measurements of the density and composition of the thermosphere between 150 and 500 km, which were obtained by the S3-1 satellite, have been compared with the Jacchia and MSIS models. The measurements of the densities of O, N₂, N and Ar show some differences from the current models which should be considered during the preparation of the next CIRA model. The Ar measurements are particularly useful in examining the response of the neutral atmosphere to geomagnetic heating. These results are useful in establishing the appropriate lower boundary conditions for modeling of the thermosphere.     

Vertical density and temperature structure over Northern Europe

During the Energy Budget Campaign, several profiles of the density and temperature of the upper atmosphere were obtained. The measurements were made using rocket-borne instrumentation launched from ESRANGE, Sweden and Andoya Rocket Range, Norway during November and December, 1980. The techniques included meteorological temperature sondes, passive falling spheres, accelerometer instrumented falling spheres, density gauges, mass spectrometers and infrared emission experiments. The instruments provided data within the altitude range from 20 km to 150 km. The measurements were made during periods which have been grouped into three categories by level of geomagnetic activity. Analysis has been made to compare the results and to examine the oscillations and fluctuations in the vertical profiles for scales ranging between hundreds of meters and tens of kilometers. Most of the features observed fit qualitatively within the range expected for internal gravity waves. The geomagnetic storm conditions may be associated with enhanced wave activity and heating observed in the lower thermosphere.     

日全食期间中间层大气臭氧光化过程试验

利用包括活O_x、HO_x、和NO_x等成份在内的一维时变光化模式,研究了日全食时上中层大气臭氧和O₂(1△g)的变化特性,并通过与观测资料的比较进行了光化模式的试验.结果表明,日全食时太阳辐照变化对1.27μm气晖影响的高度比曙暮期间明显偏低,利用1.27μm气晖光度计测量大气臭氧的高度范围约为52-67km.1997年3月9日漠河日全食时测量的大气臭氧含量变化幅度为50％.这与考虑O_x、HO_x、和NO_x等成份的光化模式理论模拟结果基本一致.它表明在52-67km高度范围不存在臭氧亏损现象.      

中国山西地区法布里-珀罗干涉仪测风能力及数据质量检验

介绍了中国气象局山西岢岚大气观测站(39°N, 112°E) 法 布里-珀罗干涉仪(FPI) 的基本 构造、测风能力、程序处理流程、数据质量控制方法以及检验情况. 岢 岚观测站FPI可以观测892.0 (OH)nm, 557.7 (OI)nm和630.0 (OI)nm 波 长处气辉谱线的多普勒移动, 分别计算对应87km, 97km和250km高度处 的大气风速和大气温度, 可给出中间层顶区域及热层风的大气潮汐和扰动 情况. 采用水平风模型(HWM)输出结果进行交叉检验, 对FPI测风数据质量进行验证. 结果显示, 岢岚大气观测站FPI仪器的测风数据 在长期趋势上与HWM模式的输出数据一致, 风速变化幅度有季节性差异, 数据质 量控制方法有效, 测风误差在87km高度处为5.7m·s-1, 97km处 为1.3m·s-1, 250km处为4.1m·s-1, 测风数据 通过了可靠性检验.      

Vertical mass and moisture structure from TIROS-N

During the First Global GARP Experiment (FGGE), global determinations of mass and moisture were made from TIROS-N (and NOAA-6) infrared and microwave sounding radiance measurements. At NESS in Washington, the meteorological data were produced operationally with a horizontal resolution of 250 km for inclusion in the FGGE level II-b data sets intended for application to large scale numerical analysis and prediction models. High horizontal resolution (50 km) sounding data sets are being produced by NESS and the Space Science and Engineering Center at the University of Wisconsin and at the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center for special case studies of the “Special Observing Periods” of FGGE.Results are presented to display the characteristics of the sounding data at different resolutions. For the low horizontal resolution data, an evaluation is shown by comparisons of global analyses made only from satellite soundings over land and sea, and those made operationally by the National Meteorological Center, which excluded satellite sounding data over continental areas, but included all conventional data sources. For the high horizontal resolution sounding data, results are presented to demonstrate the delineation of small scale temperature and moisture features which are consistent with the meteorological processes involved.     

Preliminary validation of computational procedures for a new atmospheric ionizing radiation (AIR) model.

A new computational procedure to determine particle fluxes in the Earth's atmosphere is presented. The primary cosmic ray spectrum has been modeled through an analysis of simultaneous proton and helium measurements made on high altitude balloon flights and spacecraft. An improved global fit to the data was achieved through applying a unique technique utilizing the Fokker-Plank equation with a non-linear rigidity-dependent diffusion coefficient. The propagation of primary particles through the Earth's atmosphere is calculated with a three-dimensional Monte Carlo transport program called FLUKA. Primary protons and helium nuclei (alphas) are generated within the rigidity range of 0.5 GV-20 TV uniform in cos2 theta. For a given location, primaries above the effective cutoff rigidity are transported through the atmosphere. Alpha particles are initially transported with a separate package called HEAVY to simulate fragmentation. This package interfaces with FLUKA to provide interaction starting points for each nucleon originating from a helium nucleus. Results from this calculation are presented and compared to measurements.     

Direct comparison of transient radiation belt topology and dynamics in 1991 based on measurements onboard Mir space station and NOAA satellite.

In March 1991 the CRRES spacecraft measured a new transient radiation belt resulting from a solar proton event and subsequent geomagnetic disturbance. The presence of this belt was also noted by dosimeter-radiometers aboard the Mir space station (approx. 400 km, 51 degrees orbit) and by particle telescopes on the NOAA-10 spacecraft (850 km, 98 degrees). This event provides a unique opportunity to compare particle flux and dose measurements made by different instruments in different orbits under changing conditions. We present here a comparison of the measurements made by the different detectors. We discuss the topology and dynamics of the transient radiation belt over a period of more than one year.     

Comparisons between primrose lake (54°N, 110°W) ROCOB winds (20–60 km) and Saskatoon (52°N, 107°W) M. F. radar winds (60–110 km): 1978–1982

The development of the new CIRA will require the combination of winds from many sources, e.g. rockets (ROCOB) up to ～60 km, and radar winds ～60–110 km. Difficulties are that such rocket data have larger errors at 60–65 km, and tidal effects may become significant. Radar data for 60–80 km may also have tidal contamination, due to ? 16h of data per day: from 80–110 km tidal corrections are usually reliable.Comparisons are made between the unique Saskatoon MF radar set, which is continuous from mid 1978–1983, and the ROCOB data from Primrose Lake, which is only 340 km northwest. While the agreement is satisfactory, special care is required when matching the two regions: particular problems are the low rocket sampling rate, and the unexpectedly large amplitude of the diurnal tide. Important differences from the zonal winds of CIRA-72 emerge, especially in winter months. Meridional cross-sections differ from previous data models in the extent of the summer equatorward flow.     

A middle atmosphere temperature reference model from satellite measurements

Temperature fields in the stratosphere and mesosphere have been derived from radiance measurements made by the Nimbus 5 SCR, the Nimbus 6 PMR, and the Nimbus 7 SAMS and LIMS radiometers. These instruments cover different latitude and height ranges and different times during the 1973–1983 period. The problems of combining different data sets are discussed, and examples from a proposed model atmosphere for the stratosphere and mesosphere are presented. The model is given in terms of zonal means and amplitude and phase of zonal waves 1 and 2 for temperature and geopotential height, as functions of latitude and pressure for each calendar month. Comparisons are made with the CIRA 1972 and the Koshelkov Southern Hemisphere models and with the SAMS results and in-situ rocket/radio sondes.     

Comparisons of winds at (44°S, 173°E), 65–110km,with CIRA 72

In the 95km height region of the atmosphere, ground-based techniques made an important contribution to the CIRA 72 [1] wind model. Recent wind measurements from a partial reflection experiment at 44S covering one and a half years are presented and compared with CIRA 72. The zonal wind component compares favourably, although the measured values are more easterly above 80km in autumn and winter; a feature of the autumn winds is a temporary easterly reversal above 90km. Winter mesospheric winds can be very disturbed. The summer mesosphere easterly maximum appears earlier in the season and at a higher altitude than the model. A much poorer comparison is shown between the measured meridional wind component and the 1969 model of Groves [2].     

Long-term (50 years) measurements of cosmic ray fluxes in the atmosphere

Since the middle of 1957 till present time the group of researchers of P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences has carried out the regular balloon borne measurements of charged particle fluxes in the atmosphere. The measurements are performed at polar (northern and southern) and middle latitudes and cover the interval of heights from the ground level up to 30–35 km. Standard detectors of particles (gas-discharged counters) have been used. More than 80,000 measurements of cosmic ray fluxes in the atmosphere have been performed to the present time. In the data analysis the geomagnetic field and the Earth’s atmosphere are used as cosmic ray spectrometers.     

A proposed international tropical reference atmosphere up to 80 km

Motivated by the need in many aerospace applications for a meaningful reference atmosphere characteristic of the whole of the tropics in both the northern and southern hemispheres of the globe, a proposal is made here for such an atmosphere upto an altitude of 80 km. The proposal is based on balloonsonde, rocketsonde and grenade and falling sphere data, respectively, in the range of about 0–20, 20–50 and 50–80 km height. The final proposal consists of six linear segments in the temperature distribution, with temperature values in degrees Centigrade of 27, ?9, ?74, ?5, ?5, ?74 and ?74 at altitudes of 0, 9, 16, 46, 52, 75 and 80 km respectively. The sea level pressure is taken as 1010 mb, and abridged tables of quantities of interest in meteorological and aerospace applications are provided.     

A new method for improving the performance of an ionospheric model developed by multi-instrument measurements based on artificial neural network

There are remarkable ionospheric discrepancies between space-borne (COSMIC) measurements and ground-based (ionosonde) observations, the discrepancies could decrease the accuracies of the ionospheric model developed by multi-source data seriously. To reduce the discrepancies between two observational systems, the peak frequency (foF2) and peak height (hmF2) derived from the COSMIC and ionosonde data are used to develop the ionospheric models by an artificial neural network (ANN) method, respectively. The averaged root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) of COSPF (COSMIC peak frequency model), COSPH (COSMIC peak height model), IONOPF (Ionosonde peak frequency model) and IONOPH (Ionosonde peak height model) are 0.58 MHz, 19.59 km, 0.92 MHz and 23.40 km, respectively. The results indicate that the discrepancies between these models are dependent on universal time, geographic latitude and seasons. The peak frequencies measured by COSMIC are generally larger than ionosonde’s observations in the nighttime or middle-latitudes with the amplitude of lower than 25%, while the averaged peak height derived from COSMIC is smaller than ionosonde’s data in the polar regions. The differences between ANN-based maps and references show that the discrepancies between two ionospheric detecting techniques are proportional to the intensity of solar radiation. Besides, a new method based on the ANN technique is proposed to reduce the discrepancies for improving ionospheric models developed by multiple measurements, the results indicate that the RMSEs of ANN models optimized by the method are 14–25% lower than the models without the application of the method. Furthermore, the ionospheric model built by the multiple measurements with the application of the method is more powerful in capturing the ionospheric dynamic physics features, such as equatorial ionization, Weddell Sea, mid-latitude summer nighttime and winter anomalies. In conclusion, the new method is significant in improving the accuracy and physical characteristics of an ionospheric model based on multi-source observations.