Millimeter Spectroscopic Studies of the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere

这个对平流层上层、中间层和热层下层进行毫米波光谱观测的地面计划研究了广泛的光化学和同位素过程。通过之前的赠款，PI获得了对这一探索不足的大气区域的光谱线观测，指出了一些令人惊讶的事情，包括中层水的D/H比的巨大变化。然而，这些毫米线发射的大部分都很弱，PI需要在良好的观测条件下进行长时间的积分，才能进行足够准确的测量。因此，研究人员提出了一项为期三年的计划，在显著升级的基特峰探测器配置上进行毫米谱线观测。Kitt Peak对毫米谱线测量的灵敏度提高了四倍，这将增强中上层大气的这些独特的成分测量。最后，对结果数据的分析将提高对中间层的理解，并解决理解整个中层大气内的输送、光化学和太阳循环过程的突出问题。

This ground-based program of millimeter spectroscopic observations of the upper stratosphere, mesosphere, and lower thermosphere investigates a wide range of photochemical and isotopic processes. Through the previous grant, the PI obtained spectral line observations of this poorly explored atmospheric region point to a number of surprises, including large variations in the D/H ratio of mesospheric water. Most of these millimeter line emissions, however, were weak, and the PI needs long integrations under good observing conditions for sufficiently accurate measurements. Thus, the investigator proposes a three-year program of millimeter spectral line observations at the significantly upgraded Kitt Peak detector configuration. Kitt Peak's improved sensitivity of millimeter spectral line measurements, increased by a factor of four, will enhance these unique constituent measurements of the upper middle atmosphere. Finally, analysis of the resulting data will improve understanding of the mesosphere and attack outstanding problems understanding transport, photochemical and solar cycle processes within the entire middle atmosphere.***