Modeling of Thermospheric Density Variations using Solar EUV Measurements
Abstract
In order to interpret inferences of secular change in thermospheric density, an accurate theoretical understanding of solar rotational and solar cycle influences must be obtained. Since the launch of the TIMED satellite in late 2001 and the SORCE satellite in early 2003, improved quantification of solar EUV and X-ray irradiance and variability has become available. In this study, we compare these recent solar observations to measurements of thermospheric density obtained from changes in satellite orbits. Two approaches are adopted: correlation of the satellite drag data to various bands in the solar spectrum, and comparison with simulations using the NCAR Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIE-GCM) with measured solar inputs. Although the solar measurements are not yet of sufficient duration to fully characterize the solar cycle behavior, the model response to rotational and impulsive forcing can be validated with the satellite drag data.
- Publication:
-
AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- May 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004AGUSMSA53A..06Q
- Keywords:
-
- 0350 Pressure;
- density;
- and temperature;
- 0358 Thermosphere: energy deposition;
- 1610 Atmosphere (0315;
- 0325);
- 7538 Solar irradiance