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Detailed Reference Information
Wharton et al. 1984
Wharton, L.E., Spencer, N.W. and Mayr, H.G. (1984). The Earth’s thermospheric superrotation from dynamics explorer 2. Geophysical Research Letters 11: doi: 10.1029/GL011i005p00531. issn: 0094-8276.

Neutral thermospheric zonal winds measured from the Wind and Temperature Experiment on Dynamics Explorer 2 have been analyzed to provide a measure of the superrotation of the neutral thermosphere. The data were averaged in local time in 10 degree bands from th equator to 40 degrees latitude. The results show an average wind velocity on th order of 18 m/s to the East at the equator an a westward wind of the same magnitude at mid latitudes. Within the range of altitudes of the data base (200 to 700 km) no evidence of any significant altitude dependence was found. Averaging our data over the latitude bands studied indicates a net corotation of the thermosphere. This result is not in agreement with the superrotation value reported by King-Hele and Walker on the basis of satellite drag analysis.

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Geophysical Research Letters
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American Geophysical Union
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