Abstract.
The Drag Temperature Model (1978) has been improved to respond better to the actual requirements of space geodesy, especially under extreme solar and geomagnetic conditions. Extended data and an improved algorithm have been considered, leading to valuable improvements. Temporal variations of temperature of the thermopause, total density and major chemical constituent density are reviewed and compared to the DTM94, DTM78 and MSIS86 models. A comparison with data is performed, giving the mean ratios between observed and model values with their root mean squares for different physical and geometric conditions. This comparison is made for the three models and includes data used in the modelling as well as external data. The limits of the thermosphere modelling are discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 3 December 1996 / Accepted: 4 August 1997
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Berger, C., Biancale, R., Ill, M. et al. Improvement of the empirical thermospheric model DTM: DTM94 – a comparative review of various temporal variations and prospects in space geodesy applications. Journal of Geodesy 72, 161–178 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001900050158
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001900050158