Wave Activity in the Thermosphere from Solar Maximum through Minimum

Wave activity plays an important role in the dynamics of the thermosphere due to upward-propagating tides generated in the lower atmosphere as well as the irregular occurrence of gravity waves generated in the auroral zones. However, most models of the thermosphere, whether empirical or physics based, are limited in their representation of these phenomena. We present empirical findings of wave activity from the CHAMP and GRACE satellite accelerometers, in an attempt to characterize the behavior of the thermosphere over a broad range of conditions and locations. The high orbit inclination of these two missions allows us to study the latitudinal structure of the thermosphere globally with high spatial resolution as well as the longitudinal structure of the thermosphere averaged over several days. Both CHAMP (2001-2010?) and GRACE (2002-present) roughly span solar maximum and minimum conditions over different altitude regimes giving a unique perspective on the evolution of wave activity throughout the solar cycle.