Millimeter Spectroscopic Studies of the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere

这个基于地面的对平流层上层、中间层和低层热层的毫米光谱观测项目研究了广泛的光化学和同位素过程。通过先前的拨款，PI获得了对这一未被充分探索的大气区域的光谱线观测结果，指出了许多惊喜，包括中间层水的D/H比的巨大变化。然而，大多数这些毫米线发射都很弱，而且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精确的测量。因此，研究人员提出了一项为期三年的毫米光谱线观测计划，该计划采用了升级后的基特峰探测器配置。Kitt Peak改进了毫米谱线测量的灵敏度，增加了四倍，将增强这些独特的高层大气成分测量。最后，对结果数据的分析将提高对中间层的认识，并解决在整个中层大气中理解运输、光化学和太阳周期过程的突出问题

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.***