Response of the high-latitude thermosphere to geomagnetic activity

Fuller-Rowell and Rees (1980) and Roble et al. (1982) have developed three-dimensional, time-dependent models which simulate the structure and dynamics of the thermosphere with considerable realism. These models are particularly useful for the evaluation of the individual contributions of the many distinct elements of the geomagnetic forcing of the polar thermosphere. A description is given of simulations of the steady-state structure and dynamics of the thermosphere for a level of moderately high solar activity, at the December and June solstices, and for moderately quiet and rather disturbed geomagnetic conditions. In the present paper, the simulations are used for reference purposes. Attention is given to time-dependent simulations of the thermospheric response to large geomagnetic disturbances. 24 references