A three-dimensional dynamic model of the minor constituents of the mesosphere

Abstract

A global three-dimensional model of the dynamics and chemistry of the mesosphere - lower thermosphere region (30-150 km) has been developed. This model is used to calculate the distributions of the most important minor and plasma constituents. Additionally, the mass fluxes of those constituents subjected to transport and the chemical heating rates have been computed. In view of the connection between the stratospheric and mesospheric odd-oxygen distribution, we concentrate here on discussing the mesospheric ozone chemistry at the equinox.