Total merged longwave heating rate

[mark@atmos_colostate_edu]

Is this typical of what WACCM produces for QRL_TOT?  We were concerned about the strong cooling seen near the model top.Thanks,Mark 

 

[mmills]

Yes, that is typical. Temperatures are very high in the thermosphere due to strong solar heating. High temperatures generate high cooling rates.

 

[mark@atmos_colostate_edu]

Thanks, Mike.  Just wanted to be certain. Mark