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Ann. Geophys., 15, 1221-1231, 1997
www.ann-geophys.net/15/1221/1997/
© European Geosciences Union 1997
Mean vertical wind in the mesosphere-lower thermosphere region (80–120 km) deduced from the WINDII observations on board UARS
V. Fauliot1, G. Thuillier1, and F. Vial2
1Service d'Aéronomie du CNRS, Bp 3, F-91 371 Verrières le Buisson, France
2Laboratoire de Metéorologie Dynamique du CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, F-91128 Palaiseau, France
Abstract. The WINDII interferometer placed on board the
Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite measures temperature and wind from the O(1S)
green-line emission in the Earth's mesosphere and lower thermosphere. It is a
remote-sensing instrument providing the horizontal wind components. In this
study, the vertical winds are derived using the continuity equation. Mean wind
annually averaged at equinoxes and solstices is shown. Ascendance and subsidence
to the order of 1–2 cm s–1 present a seasonal occurrence at the
equator and tropics. Zonal Coriolis acceleration and adiabatic heating and
cooling rate associated to the mean meridional and vertical circulations are
evaluated. The line emission rate measured together with the horizontal wind
shows structures in altitude and latitude correlated with the meridional and
vertical wind patterns. The effect of wind advection is discussed.
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