Ionospheric evidence of thermosphere-to-stratosphere descent of polar NOx

Clilverd, Mark A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7388-1529; Seppala, Annika; Rodger, Craig J.; Verronen, Pekka T.; Thomson, Neil R.. 2006 Ionospheric evidence of thermosphere-to-stratosphere descent of polar NOx. Geophysical Research Letters, 33 (19), L19811. 5, pp. https://doi.org/10.1029/2006GL026727

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Text Copyright 2006 by the American Geophysical Union Geophysical Research Letters - 2006 - Clilverd - Ionospheric evidence of thermosphere‐to‐stratosphere descent of polar NOX.pdf - Published Version Download (152kB) | Preview

Abstract/Summary

During the northern hemisphere winter of 2003–2004 significant levels of stratospheric odd nitrogen (NOX) were observed descending from the mesosphere. Here we study subionospheric radio wave propagation data from Ny Ålesund, Svalbard, Norway to determine the origin of the mesospheric NOX. A clear change in the radio wave diurnal variation is observed, starting on January 13, 2004, lasting for 37 days. The behavior is consistent with the ionization, by Lyman-α, of thermospheric NOX descending into the mesosphere from altitudes above 90 km. Estimates of the concentration of NOX required to produce the observed ionization changes are consistent with the levels of previously published stratospheric mixing ratios after the NOX has descended into the stratosphere. The radio wave data shows that no significant proton or electron precipitation events into the mesosphere occurred at this time, and the mesospheric effects of the large storms in October/November 2003 had abated by late December 2003.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1029/2006GL026727
Programmes:	BAS Programmes > Global Science in the Antarctic Context (2005-2009) > Sun Earth Connections
ISSN:	0094-8276
Additional Keywords:	Mesosphere, Nitrogen
NORA Subject Terms:	Atmospheric Sciences Space Sciences
Date made live:	05 Sep 2007 15:47 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/923

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