Propagation of the atmospheric tides results in a vertical flux of zonal momentum. This flux converges at altitude levels where dissipative processes take place. The deposition of the momentum contributes to the acceleration of the atmosphere resulting in a mean zonal wind. The latitude distribution of this acceleration depends on the relative importance of the mechanical and thermal dissipation. For instance, the first propagating mode, the mechanical dissipation of which takes place at 100 km altitude, induce an acceleration directed eastward above 20¿ latitude and westward beteen the equator and 20¿ latitude. This inversion is shown to be in agreement with the available experimental data.