A simple model describing the nonlinear dynamics of the dusk/dawn asymmetry in the high‐latitude thermospheric flow

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A simple nonlinear, axisymmetric, shallow‐water numerical model has been used to study the asymmetry in the neutral flow between the dusk and dawn sides of the auroral oval. Our results indicate that the Coriolis force and the curvature terms are nearly in balance on the evening side and require only a small pressure gradient to effect adjustment. The pressure gradient on the morning side has to balance both the Coriolis force and the curvature terms. The result is smaller neutral velocities near dawn and larger velocities near dusk than would be the case for a linearized treatment. A consequence is that more gravity wave energy is produced on the morning side than on the evening side.