Theoretical analysis of the temperature variations and the Krassovsky ratio for long period gravity waves

Based on the assumption that they are caused by atmospheric gravity waves rather than atmospheric tides, this study aims at developing a theoretical analysis of the long period (∼ 8 hour) fluctuations of both the Meinel OH band intensity and the rotational temperature. Eddy thermal conduction and eddy viscosity is included in the calculation. In addition, to account for the very long periods (∼ 8 hour), Coriolis force due to earth's rotation will also be taken into account by employing the "shallow atmosphere" approximation. The current theoretical analysis differ from the prior models in that it will include the Coriolis force and the model will deal with very long periods, and in addition the height varying background wind is also included in the discussion. Long period fluctuations in the airglow have been measured in many recent experimental observations (Taylor M.J., Gardner L.C., Pendleton W.R., Adv. Space Res., 2001). The Krassovsky ratio which determines the efficiency of producing an intensity fluctuation for a given temperature fluctuation, and also the phase difference between the intensity and temperature fluctuation will also be calculated based on the gravity wave assumption.