A reference model for atomic oxygen in the terrestrial atmosphere

The various methods that have been used to measure, or derive, the atomic oxygen profile in the atmosphere are discussed briefly. It is suggested that while there is a very significant uncertainty in the actual concentration the natural variability may be quite large and could explain some of the reported concentration differences. Even with these limitations an Atomic Oxygen Reference model has been derived from average monthly ozone profiles and the MSIS-86 reference model atmosphere. The model concentration profiles are presented in tabular form for each month, at 10 degree latitude steps over the altitude range 40-130 km.