A review of numerical modeling of the mesosphere and thermosphere
Abstract
It has been almost two decades since the release of the current COSPAR International Reference Atmosphere (CIRA-86) model. During this time new comprehensive sets of data have been obtained with satellite, ground-based, and in-situ rocket observations in the mesosphere and thermosphere. The new data have revealed substantial deviations in the structure and dynamics as well as new phenomena not previously represented in reference models. Driven by the observations, existing numerical models have been updated and extended and new models have been developed. An overview of recent progress in the field will be presented with particular emphasis on the areas where the next generation of CIRA models may significantly benefit from the new data and numerical simulations. Progress in coupling to the regions below and above as well as in the mesosphere/thermosphere coupling will be discussed. The need for the new reference models to include descriptions of natural variability in addition to a better representation of averages will be illustrated.
- Publication:
-
35th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004cosp...35..164A