Temporal variations of polar cap 0I 5577-Å airglow

Limb observations of the E-region 0I 5577-Å airglow in the polar caps were obtained during 1971 and 1972 from the ISIS-2 satellite. In the southern polar cap the emission rate decreased to a broad minimum of 100 R near solstice, then increased later in the winter. In the northern polar cap a maximum was observed in November. In addition to large daily variations, there were enhancements that lasted several weeks. From a correlation analysis using both satellite data supplemented by the more extensive data base of Mullen et al. (1977,Planet. Space Sci.25, 23) and stratospheric temperatures, it is clear that stratospheric warmings result in polar cap airglow enhancements. The most plausible cause of these airglow enhancements appears to be increased meridional transport of atomic oxygen into the polar cap.