The rotation rate of the upper atmosphere: A non-linear effect

In order to study the apparent ‘super-rotation’ of the Earth's upper atmosphere, we examine a non-linear solution to the continuity, momentum conservation and state equations of gasdynamics for the steady state motion of a gravitationally stratified, cylindrical, inviscid atmosphere under the influence of a steady state, local time dependent temperature distribution. The resultant flow field can be understood in terms of angular momentum conservation of air masses: heated, rising air decreases its rotation rate and cooled, falling air increases its rotation rate. The local-time average of the differential rotation rate may given rise to an apparent altitude dependent ‘super-rotation’. Comparison with observations is presented.