NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
A dynamical model of upper-atmospheric heliumThis numerical study of the global distribution of helium in the terrestrial thermosphere is based on the extension of a three-dimensional single-fluid numerical model of the thermosphere previously developed by the authors to treat the dynamics of a minor gas imbedded in a background gas made up of N2, O2, and O. The Cira (1972) model of the upper atmosphere, based on satellite drag data, is used to specify the background gas density and temperature as functions of altitude, latitude, and local time for a given day of the year. Specific emphasis is placed on a study of the helium distribution at solstice, i.e., the 'winter helium bulge'. Effects of solar activity, eddy diffusion, and exospheric transport on the global distribution of helium are investigated. The model reproduces the general features of the winter helium bulge, including the variation of its amplitude with solar activity, as determined by comparison of data from several recent satellite-borne mass spectrometers.
Document ID
19770054300
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Straus, J. M.
(Aerospace Corp. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Creekmore, S. P.
(Aerospace Corp. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Ching, B. K.
(Aerospace Corp. Space Sciences Laboratory, Los Angeles, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1977
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 82
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
77A37152
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-14102
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available