A model study of the temporal behaviour of the emission intensity and rotational temperature of the OH Meinel bands for high-latitude summer conditions

DOI: 
Publication date: 
01/01/1996
Main author: 
LopezGonzalez, MJ
IAA authors: 
LopezGonzalez, MJ
Authors: 
LopezGonzalez, MJ; Murtagh, DP; Espy, PJ; LopezMoreno, JJ; Rodrigo, R; Witt, G
Journal: 
ANNALES GEOPHYSICAE-ATMOSPHERES HYDROSPHERES AND SPACE SCIENCES
Publication type: 
Article
Volume: 
14
Pages: 
59-67
Number: 
Abstract: 
The temporal variation of OH* emission and weighted rotational temperature has been studied for high-latitude summer conditions. Observations for 60 degrees N latitude show OH weighted temperatures that always exceed 145 K even during periods of noctilucent clouds. Using a one-dimensional model the effects in excited OH concentration produced by changes in temperature, eddy diffusion, and water concentration have been analysed. We are forced to conclude that there remains a discrepancy between the OH temperatures predicted by the model and that obtained from OH* measurements. An increase in OH* concentration from June to the beginning of August, followed by a slow decrease during August has been obtained in agreement with the measurements. The 16-day modulation present in the measurements was simulated in a simple manner by varying the temperature in the mesopause region. This variation produces periodic modulations in both OH* concentration and weighted temperature of 16 days. The results show the temperature leading the OH* column concentration by three days. This phase shift is also present in the observations.
Database: 
WOK
SCOPUS
Keywords: