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The Influence of Atmospheric Tides on the Variability of the Mesosphere–Thermosphere–Ionosphere

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper is a collaborative effort that originated at the International Space Science Institute Workshop on “Physical Links between Weather and Climate in Space and the Lower Atmosphere” held on January 22-26, 2024. Our goals are to survey the role of tides in facilitating the coupling of the lower and upper atmosphere and identify pathways forward that address challenges to our current understanding. To that end, we provide a brief review of the physics of atmospheric tides and the sources of their day-to-day and seasonal variability during quiet geomagnetic conditions. We identify the mechanisms that couple vertically propagating atmospheric tides to variations in thermosphere–ionosphere wind, composition, and plasma. Each process is punctuated with examples showcasing state-of-the-art observations or models, and requirements for scientific progress. A recurrent theme is a thermospheric measurement gap region between 100 and 200 km that precludes direct observations of tidal vertical coupling processes and their day-to-day variability.
DOI: 10.1007/s10712-025-09923-6
Authors: Ruth Lieberman, Jens Oberheide, McArthur Jones, Tarique Siddiqui, Astrid Maute, Nicholas Pedatella, Alan Liu, Jeff Klenzing’s
Institutions: Goddard Space Flight Center, Clemson University, Naval Research Laboratory Space Science Division, Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Rostock University, University of Rostock, University of Colorado Boulder, NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach Florida Campus, Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,290
Funders: National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Clemson University, Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, Goddard Space Flight Center, Office of Naval Research
Awards: G1335240794, The Management and Operation of the National Center for Atmoshperic Research (NCAR), Collaborative Research: DASI Track 2--A Distributed Meteor Radar and Optical Network in South America, G3425866646, G4018626859, G4025338255, G4174499584, G482102745, G6891932618, MRI: Acquisition of A Meteor Radar for the Andes Lidar Observatory, G7937201058
OpenAlex ID: W7129222665
FWCI: 3.302
Cites: 282
Cited by: 1
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