ISSN:
1573-0956
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract Since late 1980, a ground-based Fabry-Perot interferometer has been in operation near Kiruna, Sweden (20.4°E, 67.8°N). This instrument has recorded thermospheric neutral winds under a wide range of geophysical conditions which have occurred during six observing winters. These data cover the period from the time of maximum geomagnetic activity during the last solar cycle, 1980/82, to the 1985/86 period of generally quiet geomagnetic activity near sunspot minimum. A statistical analysis of the data from about 400 nights of observation provides a graphic description of the generally rapid time-dependence of thermospheric winds in the vicinity of the mean auroral oval to individual geomagnetic disturbances. The data also provide an excellent data base describing the auroral oval. The data describe ion convection patterns as they respond to variable geomagnetic activity, and also the mean distribution of O I 630 nm emission as a function of local time, latitude and geomagnetic activity. These results can be used to examine the geomagnetic input parameters to a global thermospheric model (for example the semi-empirical global models of magnetospheric convection) as required to bring the simulations of thermospheric circulation into overall improved agreement with the observations.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01904123
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