EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Takahashi et al. 2002
Takahashi, H., Nakamura, T., Tsuda, T., Buriti, R.A. and Gobbi, D. (2002). First measurement of atmospheric density and pressure by meteor diffusion coefficient and airglow OH temperature in the mesopause region. Geophysical Research Letters 29: doi: 10.1029/2001GL014101. issn: 0094-8276.

Atmospheric density and pressure in the mesopause region, around 87 km, are inferred using meteor trail ambipolar diffusion coefficient, D, and simultaneously observed airglow OH rotational temperature, TOH. This is the first time to determine the atmospheric density, temperature and pressure by this method. From the 17 nights of data, we found that the number density at around 87 km of altitude varied from 0.9 to 1.2 ¿ 1014 cm-3, and the pressure varied from 0.27 to 0.35 Pascal. The density variation is opposite to the temperature. The OH (6,2) band emission rates showed negative correlation with the density, contrast to positive relation with the temperature. In order to explain temporal variation of the OH emission rate, therefore, it is necessary to assume change of atomic oxygen mixing ratio in the emission heights.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Airglow and aurora, Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Middle atmosphere--composition and chemistry, Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Pressure, density, and temperature
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit