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Noctilucent cloud formation and the effects of water vapor variability on temperatures in the middle atmosphereTo investigate the occurrence of low temperatures and the formation of noctilucent clouds in the summer mesosphere, a one-dimensional time-dependent photochemical-thermal numerical model of the atmosphere between 50 and 120 km has been constructed. The model self-consistently solves the coupled photochemical and thermal equations as perturbation equations from a reference state assumed to be in equilibrium and is used to consider the effect of variability in water vapor in the lower mesosphere on the temperature in the region of noctilucent cloud formation. It is found that change in water vapor from an equilibrium value of 5 ppm at 50 km to a value of 10 ppm, a variation consistent with observations, can produce a roughly 15 K drop in temperature at 82 km. It is suggested that this process may produce weeks of cold temperatures and influence noctilucent cloud formation.
Document ID
19850059350
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Mckay, C. P.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA; Colorado, University, Boulder, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Planetary and Space Science
Volume: 33
ISSN: 0032-0633
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
85A41501
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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