First simultaneous multistation observations of the polar cap thermospheric winds

Based on two northern (Eureka 80.0 degrees N, 85.9 degrees W, magnetic latitude (MLAT) 88, and Resolute 74.7 degrees N, 94.8 degrees W, MLAT 83) and one southern (Jang Bogo 74.7 degrees S, 164.2 degrees E, MLAT 77) polar cap stations, simultaneous thermospheric wind data during the northern (December) and southern (June) winter months were obtained and compared with the National Center for Atmospheric Research Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) simulations driven by the Weimer ion convection model.

The TIEGCM simulation overestimates the thermospheric wind by 30 to 60%. The thermospheric winds at Eureka were larger than those at Resolute probably because Eureka is at high-geomagnetic latitude. The observed ion drifts observed by Resolute Incoherent Scatter Radar North face at Resolute also show that the Weimer ion convection model overestimates the ion drift.