The non-storm time corrugated upper thermosphere: What is beyond MSIS?

Abstract

Observations in the recent decade have revealed many thermospheric density corrugations/perturbations under nonstorm conditions (Kp \< 2). They are generally not captured by empirical models like Mass Spectrometer Incoherent Scatter (MSIS) but are operationally important for long-term orbital evolution of Low Earth Orbiting satellites and theoretically for coupling processes in the atmosphere-ionosphere system. We review these density corrugations by classifying them into three types which are driven respectively by the lower atmosphere, ionosphere, and solar wind/magnetosphere. Model capabilities in capturing these features are discussed. A summary table of these corrugations is included to provide a quick guide on their magnitudes, occurring latitude, local time, and season.

Year of Publication
2017
Journal
Space Weather
Volume
15
Number of Pages
746-760
Date Published
06/2017
URL
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2017SW001618
DOI
10.1002/swe.v15.610.1002/2017SW001618
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