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NASA NTRS2005

Integrated Modeling Study of the Effects of the Magnetospheric Forcing on the Jovian Ionosphere-Thermosphere System

The Jupiter Thermosphere General Circulation Model (JTGCM) calculates the global dynamical structure of Jupiter s thermosphere self-consistently with its global thermal structure and composition. The main heat source that drives the thermospheric flow is high-latitude Joule heating. A secondary source of heating is the auroral process of particle precipitation. Global simulations of Jovian thermospheric dynamics indicate strong neutral outflows from the auroral ovals with velocities up to approx.2 km/s and subsequent convergence and downwelling at the Jovian equator. Such circulation is shown to be an important process for transporting significant amounts of auroral energy t o equatorial latitudes and for regulating the global heat budget in a manner consistent with the high thermospheric temperatures observed by the Galileo probe. Adiabatic compression of the neutral atmosphere resulting from downward motion is an important source of equatorial heating (< 0.06 microbar). The adiabatic heating continues to dominate between 0.06 and 0.2 microbar, but with an addition of comparable heating due to horizontal advection induced by the meridional flow. Thermal conduction plays an important role in transporting heat down to lower altitudes (>0.2microbar) where it is balanced by the cooling associated with the wind transport processes. Interestingly, we find that radiative cooling caused by H3(+), CH4, and C2H2 emissions does not play a significant role in interpreting the Galileo temperature profile.

Bogan, Denis↗
NASA NTRS2016

Modeling the Ionosphere-Thermosphere Response to a Geomagnetic Storm Using Physics-based Magnetospheric Energy Input: OpenGGCM-CTIM Results

The magnetosphere is a major source of energy for the Earth's ionosphere and thermosphere (IT) system. Current IT models drive the upper atmosphere using empirically calculated magnetospheric energy input. Thus, they do not sufficiently capture the storm-time dynamics, particularly at high latitudes. To improve the prediction capability of IT models, a physics-based magnetospheric input is necessary. Here, we use the Open Global General Circulation Model (OpenGGCM) coupled with the Coupled Thermosphere Ionosphere Model (CTIM). OpenGGCM calculates a three-dimensional global magnetosphere and a two-dimensional high-latitude ionosphere by solving resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations with solar wind input. CTIM calculates a global thermosphere and a high-latitude ionosphere in three dimensions using realistic magnetospheric inputs from the OpenGGCM. We investigate whether the coupled model improves the storm-time IT responses by simulating a geomagnetic storm that is preceded by a strong solar wind pressure front on August 24, 2005. We compare the OpenGGCM-CTIM results with low-earth-orbit satellite observations and with the model results of Coupled Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Plasmasphere electrodynamics (CTIPe). CTIPe is an up-to-date version of CTIM that incorporates more IT dynamics such as a low-latitude ionosphere and a plasmasphere, but uses empirical magnetospheric input. OpenGGCMCTIM reproduces localized neutral density peaks at approx. 400 km altitude in the high-latitude dayside regions in agreement with in situ observations during the pressure shock and the early phase of the storm. Although CTIPe is in some sense a much superior model than CTIM, it misses these localized enhancements. Unlike the CTIPe empirical input models, OpenGGCM-CTIM more faithfully produces localized increases of both auroral precipitation and ionospheric electric fields near the high-latitude dayside region after the pressure shock and after the storm onset, which in turn effectively heats the thermosphere and causes the neutral density increase at 400 km altitude.

Connor, Hyunju K.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Space-Based Sentinels for Measurement of Infrared Cooling in the Thermosphere for Space Weather Nowcasting

Infrared radiative cooling by nitric oxide (NO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) modulates the thermosphere’s density and thermal response to geomagnetic storms. Satellite tracking and collision avoidance planning require accurate density forecasts during these events. Over the past several years, failed density forecasts have been tied to the onset of rapid and significant cooling due to production of NO and its associated radiative cooling via emission of infrared radiation at 5.3 μm. These results have been diagnosed, after the fact, through analyses of measurements of infrared cooling made by the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry instrument now in orbit over 16 years on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics satellite. Radiative cooling rates for NO and CO2 have been further shown to be directly correlated with composition and exospheric temperature changes during geomagnetic storms. These results strongly suggest that a network of smallsats observing the infrared radiative cooling of the thermosphere could serve as space weather sentinels. These sentinels would observe and provide radiative cooling rate data in real time to generate nowcasts of density and aerodynamic drag on space vehicles. Currently, radiative cooling is not directly considered in operational space weather forecast models. In addition, recent research has shown that different geomagnetic storm types generate substantially different infrared radiative response, and hence, substantially different thermospheric density response. The ability to identify these storms, and to measure and predict the Earth’s response to them, should enable substantial improvement in thermospheric density forecasts.

Mlynczak, Martin G.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Thermospheric Heating and Cooling Times During Geomagnetic Storms, Including Extreme Events

We present the first quantitative calculations of thermospheric heating and cooling times for geomagnetic storms of different intensity, including extreme events. We utilize the neutral mass density database of the CHAllenging Mini‐satellite Payload and Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment missions to produce thermospheric global system response to geomagnetic storms caused by coronal mass ejections via superposed epoch analysis during May 2001 to December 2015. Storm events are grouped in five different categories based on the minimum value of the SYM‐H index. We calculate the time from storm onset for the thermosphere to reach maximum intensification (heating time) and the time from onset for the thermosphere to recover (cooling time). We find that heating and cooling times decrease as storm intensity increases and the effect is more pronounced for the cooling times. For extreme storms, the thermospheric heating time is 9.5 hr, while the cooling time is 22 hr.

Zesta, Eftyhia↗
NASA NTRS2023

Hemispheric Asymmetry of the Annual and Semiannual Variation of Thermospheric Composition

We examine hemispheric asymmetry of the annual and semiannual variation of the ratio of O and N 2 concentrations ( O/N 2 ) using observations by the Global Ultraviolet Imager (GUVI) instrument onboard the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics satellite and compare them with Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with thermosphere-ionosphere eXtension (WACCM-X) model simulations. We found that in the equatorial region, the “equinox peaks” of the observed O/N 2 are near the end of March and October, and the two annual lows are near the beginning of July and January. Compared to the equatorial region, in the northern hemisphere (NH) low latitudes, the first “equinox peak” clearly shifts toward the December solstice, whereas in the southern hemisphere (SH) low latitudes, the “equinox peaks” shift toward the June solstice (JS), forming the hemispheric asymmetry characteristics of the annual and semiannual variation. Seasonal variation of O/N 2 shows no apparent phase variation with altitude, and the annual and semiannual pattern is consistent from year to year. WACCM-X reproduces the observed annual and semiannual pattern in NH but in SH, it simulates an annual variation instead of the observed annual and semiannual variation. The largest discrepancy occurs near JS in the lower and middle thermosphere: the simulated O density has an annual high near JS in SH; the simulated N 2 density has an annual high near JS in NH but a predominant annual low near JS in SH. These are not in the GUVI data. A weaker thermospheric meridional circulation in the winter hemisphere, or a reduced summer-to-winter latitudinal gradient of neutral temperature in WACCM-X simulations would make model-data comparisons more consistent.

thermosphere composition↗
NASA NTRS1972

A numerical study of a three dimensional spherical thermospheric density and wind model

Numerical calculations of the generation and propagation of the two important fundamental symmetric tidal wave modes - the diurnal mode (1, 1, 1,) and the semidiurnal mode (2, 2, 2) - were performed applying a realistic model thermosphere and taking into account heat conduction and the temporally and spatially varying ion-neutral collision number. Both wave modes are predominantly generated by the solar EUV heat input. It is shown that the latitude structure of the (1, 1, 1)-mode which is identical with the Hough function(1, -1) within the lower non-dissipative atmosphere degenerates into the spherical function P sub 1, 1 at thermospheric heights. The pressure field of this mode constitutes the observed pressure bulge of the thermosphere, the diurnal component of which peaks at 15 h L. T. The electric polarization field of the geomagnetic Sq current generates a significant fraction of this wave mode at F layer heights. This wave component shifts the total horizontal wind system to earlier times by about 1 hour in agreement with ionospheric observations. The latitude structure of the (2, 2, 2) mode is identical with the Hough function (2, 2) within the lower non-dissipative atmosphere. It degenerates to the spherical function P sub 2, 2 at thermospheric heights.

Volland, H.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Convection electric fields and polar thermospheric winds.

Use of the qualitative ideas of convection electric fields over the earth's polar regions to demonstrate the importance of ion drag in establishing a thermospheric wind system. Recent measurements indicate that uniform electric fields of 10 to 40 mV/m are a regular feature of the polar-cap ionosphere. Calculations of the neutral thermospheric wind, using these measured fields in a simple ionospheric model, have been made. The time scale for motion of the neutral gas ranges from less than 1 hour at F-region heights to about 2 hours in the dynamo region of the ionosphere. It has been found that the viscosity of the atmosphere is important in determining the winds in the dynamo region. Results are given that show ion-temperature enhancements of hundreds of degrees that are due to ion-neutral frictional effects. In addition, the total deposition rate of convection energy in the polar thermosphere is shown to be of the same order of magnitude as that due to absorption of solar EUV radiation. The implications of these results for the dynamics and energetics of the thermosphere are discussed.

Fedder, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Diffusion model for the phase delay between thermospheric density and temperature.

Consideration of a two-dimensional time-dependent model in which the thermosphere dynamics is excited by the UV heat input within the thermosphere, showing that the wind-induced variations in the diurnal component of atomic oxygen dominate over its temperature-induced variations up to 200 km. The assumption of diffusive equilibrium is therefore in general not valid for O within the lower thermosphere. The effect of the diurnal wind circulation is to redistribute O so that the diurnal variations in the forbidden O/forbidden N2 and forbidden O/forbidden O2 ratios are damped by about 20%, thus contributing to the maintenance of the nighttime F2 region, and the maximum in the diurnal variation of O is shifted by one to two hours away from the temperature maximum toward noon, thus contributing significantly to the temperature-density time lag at thermospheric heights above 200 km, where O becomes the major constituent.

Mayr, H. G.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Diurnal and semidiurnal nitrogen density and temperature variations from thermosphere probe measurements.

Amplitudes and phases for the diurnal and semidiurnal variations of thermospheric molecular nitrogen density and temperature are determined from data obtained by six rocket-launched thermosphere probes. The semidiurnal tide is significant for the lower thermosphere variations, where it could dominate in the N2 density at 140 km and in the temperature for altitudes between 170 and 200 km. At exospheric heights, the magnitudes of the semidiurnal modes in density and temperature are significantly smaller than those of the diurnal mode. The temperature phase is height-dependent in both diurnal and semidiurnal components below 200 km, thus contributing to phase differences between N2 density and temperature in both modes. No significant phase differences are apparent between N2 density and thermospheric temperature above 250 km.

Newton, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Seasonal and magnetic storm related changes in the thermosphere induced by eddy mixing

The possibility of explaining the seasonal and magnetic storm related changes in the thermosphere and the ionosphere through variation in eddy diffusion coefficient in the lower thermosphere is investigated theoretically by obtaining simultaneous numerical solutions of the relevant continuity, momentum, and energy balance equations in a self-consistent manner. It is shown that various important features of thermospheric seasonal behavior, including the winter helium bulge phenomenon, can be explained by assuming effective reduction in the winter-time eddy diffusion coefficient by about one order of magnitude. Storm related changes in the thermal structure and composition are seen to arise by assuming a downward shift of turbulence. Physical implications and relative significance of variation in thermospheric turbulence and large scale inter-hemispheric circulation are briefly discussed.

Sinha, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The composition, structure, temperature and dynamics of the upper thermosphere in the polar regions during October to December 1981

Observational data obtained by the Dynamics Explorer-2 (DE-2) spacecraft were compared with global model simulations in order to study the composition, structure, temperature, and dynamics of the upper thermosphere in polar regions during the period October-December 1981. A UCL three-dimensional model was used to simulate the seasonal, diurnal, and geomagnetic response of the neutral thermosphere and to follow the major features of the solar and geomagnetic inputs during the late 1981 period. Overall agreement was obtained between the simulations and the DE-2 data for thermospheric wind structure at high latitudes, and for the combined thermal and compositional structure in both hemispheres. Computer-generated line drawings of the variations in thermospheric structure are given, as well as a series of color graphic illustrations of the DE-2 data.

Rees, D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Thermospheric and ionospheric structure of the Southern Hemisphere polar cap on October 21, 1981, as determined from Dynamics Explorer 2 satellite data

For a number of years, satellites have been employed to measure auroral particles and fields within the high-latitude thermosphere. In the present paper, data from orbit 1174 of the Dynamics Explorer 2 satellite on October 21, 1981, are utilized to calculate the structure of the ionosphere and thermosphere below the satellite altitude down to about 80 km. Attention is given to details regarding the DE 2 measurements, a satellite track model, the calculated ionospheric structure, and the calculated neutral gas heating rates. The investigation demonstrates that the technique of deriving characteristics of the ionosphere and atmosphere below a satellite track promises to be very fruitful for defining the characteristics of the lower thermosphere for use in large numerical models of the thermosphere and ionosphere.

Emery, B. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Measurements of thermospheric response to auroral activities

The Joule heating produced by auroral electrojets and its thermospheric response can be studied by monitoring the thermospheric temperatures by optical methods; simultaneously, the concurrent auroral electrojet activities can be investigated by using geomagnetic records obtained from stations along a meridian close to the observation site of optical measurements. The measurements are reported of thermospheric response to auroral activities which were made at Albany (42.68 deg N, 73.82 deg W), New York on September 2, 1978 (UT) when an isolated substorm occured. The thermospheric temperatures were measured by using a high resolution Fabry-Perot interferometer that determines the line profiles of the (OI) 6300A line emission. The intensities and latitudinal positions of auroral electrojets were obtained by the analysis of magnetograms from the IMS Fort Churchill meridian chain stations.

Okano, S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Initial results of the Global Thermospheric Mapping Study (GTMS)

The Global Thermospheric Mapping Study (GTMS) is a multi-technique experimental study of the thermosphere designed to map simultaneously its spatial and temporal morphology with a thoroughness and diversity of measurement techniques heretofore unachieved. The GTMS is designed around the Incoherent Scatter Radar Chain in the western hemisphere. The European incoherent scatter radars and the worldwide communities of Fabry-Perot interferometers, meteor wind radars, partial reflection drifts radars, MST radars, and satellite probes are included to extend the spatial coverage and types of measurements available. Theoretical and modeling support in the areas of thermospheric and ionospheric structure, tides, and electric fields are included to aid in program planning and data interpretation. Solar activity was low on the three observation days (F10.7 = 97, 98, 96) and magnetic conditions were unsettled to active (A = 10, 12, 20). All six incoherent scatter radar facilities collected data. Each collected F region data day and night while Saint Santin and Millstone Hill additionally collected E region data during daylight hours. Initial results from Sondrestrom and Millstone Hill are presented. Good quality Fabry Perot data were collected at Fritz Peak and San Jose dos Campos. Weather conditions produced poor results at Arequipa and Arecibo. Initial results from Fritz Peak are presented. Mesosphere/lower-thermosphere observations were conducted under the ATMAP organization. The magnetometer chains also were operational during this campaign. Initial thermospheric general circulation model predictions were made for assumed solar-geophysical conditions, and selected results are presented.

Oliver, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Self-consistent modelling of the polar thermosphere and ionosphere to magnetospheric convection and precipitation (invited review)

It has recently been demonstrated that the dramatic effects of plasma precipitation and convection on the composition and dynamics of the polar thermosphere and ionosphere include a number of strong interactive, or feedback, processes. To aid the evaluation of these feedback processes, a joint three dimensional time dependent global model of the Earth's thermosphere and ionosphere was developed in a collaboration between University College London and Sheffield University. This model includes self consistent coupling between the thermosphere and the ionosphere in the polar regions. Some of the major features in the polar ionosphere, which the initial simulations indicate are due to the strong coupling of ions and neutrals in the presence of strong electric fields and energetic electron precipitation are reviewed. The model is also able to simulate seasonal and Universal time variations in the polar thermosphere and ionospheric regions which are due to the variations of solar photoionization in specific geomagnetic regions such as the cusp and polar cap.

Rees, D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Particle precipitaion into the thermosphere (invited review)

A review of research on particle precipitation into the thermosphere is presented. Particle precipitation plays an important role in thermospheric dynamics, often being both the most important ionization source and the most important heat source, comparable to Joule heating rates in the auroral zones and typically exceeding solar ultraviolet as an ionization mechanism in the nightside auroral zones and winter polar caps. Rees (1963) has shown that, roughly speaking, one electron-ion pair is produced by each 35 eV of incident electron energy flux; thus, over half of the incident electron energy flux goes into heating rather than into ionization. Precipitating ions also can produce ionization, also requiring roughly 35 eV per pair; however, since ion energy fluxes are typically much weaker than electron fluxes, they have often been neglected. The particle precipitation into the thermosphere is both an important ionization source and an important heat source; since the globally integrated value can vary over more than a factor of ten, and the instantaneous local rate can vary over nearly three orders of magnitude global, maps of precipitation rates are extremely important for predicting thermospheric weather.

Reiff, P. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Hemispheric asymmetries of the thermospheric semiannual oscillation

An analysis of the data on the asymmetries of the terrestrial thermospheric semiannual oscillation (SAO), recorded by satellites, radar stations, and rocket soundings (Hedin, 1983), is presented. The possible sources for the thermospheric SAO are discussed. An interpretation is presented of the hemispheric asymmetries of the thermospheric SAO in terms of gravity-wave activities, in which the proposed mechanism is associated with the hemispheric asymmetries in the atmospheric circulation due to the orographic differences between the two hemispheres. Consideration is given to the energy requirements for the observed hemispheric difference in the thermospheric SAO. The overall evidence supporting the proposed interpretation is discussed.

Maeda, K.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Viscous pumping and the spin-down of thermospheric gyres and jets

Strong gyres and jets can be generated at auroral latitudes in the thermosphere by enhanced electric fields during geomagnetic substorms. Typical height profiles of ion density suggest that the ion drag force should generate large curvature in the vertical profile of the winds in the highly viscous region of the thermosphere above about 200 km. It is proposed that the poststorm spin-down of these gyres and jets proceeds via Ekman circulations driven by the curvatures in the height profiles of the winds. Analytic and numerical calculations of the ageostrophic winds forced by curvature in model geostrophic wind profiles show that the ageostrophic wind speeds and directions depend mainly on the kinematic viscosity in the region of curvature and the total change in shear in the geostrophic wind. Ageostrophic wind speeds for typical thermospheric jets can exceed 200 m/s (about 50 percent of the jet winds). Spin-down times of thermospheric jets and cyclonic gyres by the Ekman pumping mechanism are estimated at less than about 6 hours.

Walterscheid, R. L.↗