Structure and variations of the heterosphere

Atmospheric composition is kept almost homogeneous to a height of approximately 90 km (the homosphere) by mixing; above 100 km (the heterosphere), diffusive separation of the atmospheric constituents occurs. The heterosphere is dominated by two energy sources: solar extreme ultraviolet radiation and the solar wind. Many large variations are observed in this region and they can all be related, directly or indirectly, to variations in the intrinsic intensity of these two sources and to variations in the location of the sources relative to the observer. Atmospheric models can be successfully constructed in which the temperature and density variations are empirically related to solar and geomagnetic parameters. Some of the more recent findings concerning the structure and variations in the heterosphere are presented.