Papers on Ionosphere and Upper Atmosphere
Southern hemisphere observations of a long-term decrease in F region altitude and thermospheric wind providing possible evidence for global thermospheric cooling
Article first published online: 20 SEP 2012
DOI: 10.1029/98JA01629
Copyright 1998 by the American Geophysical Union.
Issue
Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics (1978–2012)
Volume 103, Issue A9, pages 20775–20787, 1 September 1998
Additional Information
How to Cite
1998), Southern hemisphere observations of a long-term decrease in F region altitude and thermospheric wind providing possible evidence for global thermospheric cooling, J. Geophys. Res., 103(A9), 20775–20787, doi:10.1029/98JA01629.
, , and (Publication History
- Issue published online: 20 SEP 2012
- Article first published online: 20 SEP 2012
- Manuscript Accepted: 26 MAR 1998
- Manuscript Received: 22 OCT 1997
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
F region peak heights, derived from ionospheric scaled parameters through 38-year data series from both Argentine Islands (65°S, 64°W) and Port Stanley (52°S, 58°W) have been analyzed for signatures of secular change. Long-term changes in altitude, which vary with month and time of day, were found at both sites. The results can be interpreted either as a constant decrease in altitude combined with a decreasing thermospheric wind effect or as a constant decrease in altitude which is altitude-dependent. Both interpretations leave inconsistencies when the results from the two sites are compared. The estimated long-term decrease in altitude is of a similar order of magnitude to that which has been predicted to result in the thermosphere from anthropogenic change related to greenhouse gases. Other possibilities should not, however, be ruled out.