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A diurnal modulation of the lunar tide in the upper atmosphere
Author(s) -
Stening R. J.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl016i004p00307
Subject(s) - noon , atmosphere (unit) , diurnal temperature variation , amplitude , atmospheric tide , atmospheric sciences , geology , morning , ionosphere , earth's magnetic field , thermosphere , environmental science , variation (astronomy) , geophysics , meteorology , physics , astronomy , magnetic field , quantum mechanics
Analysis of geomagnetic data from several stations in the equatorial region shows that the amplitude of the lunar semimonthly tide frequently does not have the expected symmetry about noon in its diurnal variation. There is a distinct tendency for larger amplitudes in the morning. At many stations this effect is largest in equinoctial months, though there are regional differences. Analysis of data from different years confirms its presence. The interaction between solar and lunar tides in the middle atmosphere may be responsible for the observed modulation.