Is chemical heating a major cause of the mesosphere inversion layer?

摘要: A region of thermal enhancement the mesosphere has been detected on numerous occasions by in situ measurements, remote sensing from space, and lidar techniques. The source these “temperature inversion layers” attributed literature to dissipation relating dynamical forcing gravity wave or tidal activity. However, conclusion that dynamics mesopause is principal for such anomalies open question. While it certain breaking plays an important role providing momentum flux required drive diabatic circulation, evidence can produce layer with amplitude as large observed measurements limited results numerical modeling. We note alternative exists production mesosphere, i.e., direct deposition heat exothermic chemical reactions. Two-dimensional modeling combining a comprehensive model photochemistry transport long-lived species shows 80 95 km may be heated much 3 10 K/d during night half this rate day. Given uncertainties our understanding chemistry region, separating two sources passive observations structure looks difficult. Therefore we have considered active means producing layer, namely release ozone into upper rocket payload. induced effects would include artificial enhancements OH Na airglow intensities well structure. advantage detection ground-based imaging, radar, systems comparison predictions help quantify partition forcing.