What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the superrotation of Earth's neutral thermosphere across various latitudes and altitudes using in situ wind observations.

May 1, 1984Geophysical Research Letters

The Earth's thermospheric superrotation from Dynamics Explorer 2

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

To evaluate the superrotation of Earth's neutral thermosphere across various latitudes and altitudes using in situ wind observations.
Analyzed neutral thermospheric zonal winds collected by the Wind and Temperature Experiment aboard the Dynamics Explorer 2 satellite across altitudes of 200 to 700 km.
Averaged wind velocity measurements in local time across 10-degree latitudinal bands from the equator to 40 degrees latitude.
Zonal winds averaged approximately 18 m/s eastward at the equator and reached a westward velocity of comparable magnitude (18 m/s) at mid-latitudes.
Observed wind speeds showed no significant altitude dependence within the 200 to 700 km altitude range.
Latitude-averaged measurements demonstrated net corotation of the thermosphere with Earth, diverging from earlier superrotation estimates derived from satellite drag analysis.

Discussion

No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.

Implication

Observational satellite study reveals net corotation of the neutral thermosphere, suggesting an absence of global superrotation previously inferred from satellite drag.

Cite This Study

Wharton et al. (1984) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a96258174ed4b050e523d4c https://doi.org/10.1029/gl011i005p00531

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Implication

Observational satellite study reveals net corotation of the neutral thermosphere, suggesting an absence of global superrotation previously inferred from satellite drag.

The Earth's thermospheric superrotation from Dynamics Explorer 2

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

The Earth's thermospheric superrotation from Dynamics Explorer 2

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider