CEDAR: Formation Mechanisms for Neutral Density Cells in the Lower Thermosphere at High Latitudes

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This proposal addresses coupling between the ionosphere and lower thermosphere which leads to large scale structure in the lower thermosphere at high latitudes. The PI has successfully investigated the morphology of cell structures using the TIGCM, and confirmed their existence using two independent satellite data sets. This proposal is very relevant to understanding the lower thermosphere. As the coupling between the upper and lower atmosphere comes into focus over the next few years, it will be increasingly important to understand what causes the observed behavior of the lower thermosphere, and to be able to separate the effects of high latitude forcing from those due to upward propagating tides and gravity waves, for example. The work, therefore, will represent a vital contribution to the study of the lower thermosphere - the least understood region of the atmosphere.