The non–storm time corrugated upper thermosphere: What is beyond MSIS?

摘要: Observations in the recent decade have revealed many thermospheric density corrugations/perturbations under non-storm conditions (Kp<2). They are generally not captured by empirical models like MSIS, but operationally important for long-term orbital evolution of Low-Earth-Orbiting satellites and theoretically coupling processes atmosphere-ionosphere system. We review these corrugations classifying them into three types which driven respectively lower atmosphere, ionosphere, solar wind/magnetosphere. Model capabilities capturing features discussed. A summary table is included to provide a quick guide on their amplitude range, occurring latitude, local time season.