Upper Atmosphere/Ionosphere Studies with the MU Radar

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Radar techniques provide important means for investigating the upper atmosphere. As the size, power, and sophistication of atmospheric radars has grown, so has our understanding of detailed atmospheric behavior. Global radar coverage has led to better understanding of the upper atmosphere on a global scale. Relatively recently the Japanese have begun operation of an advanced radar, and have developed some projects in collaboration with the international scientific community. This program seeks to continue the collaboration between the principle investigator and Japanese scientists to pursue upper atmosphere research using the MU (Middle and Upper atmosphere) radar operated by the Radio Atmospheric Center of Kyoto University. The research will explore local ionospheric temperature and neutral temperature and density behavior, and latitudinal variations through coordinated use of the MU radar and a string of ionosondes at approximately the same longitude. Research at the MU radar will be conducted by the principle investigator during summers, and work during the academic year will concentrate on data analysis and integration of results with results of other upper-atmosphere instruments (optical and radar) from around the world.