Collaborative Research: Radar and Optical Observations of Dynamics in the Tropical Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere

在秘鲁的两个地点，利用50 MHz Jicamarca反向散射雷达的高空间分辨率测量、高光谱分辨率OH气辉测量和全天空成像诊断，对中间层的湍流层进行了研究。 Jicamarca雷达的150米分辨率最近才通过该雷达的硬件和数据采集升级成为可能。 研究的目的是确定湍流层的生成机制及其作为季节的函数的相对有效性。 像中层环流模式本身，预计湍流层触发机制也调制的半年，每年和准两年振荡。 在八个不同的观测期间获得的数据进行解释的范围内的D-区域等离子体和中性结构的数值模型，现在可以通过NCAR合作。

Turbulent layers in the mesosphere are studied using high spatial resolution measurements with the 50 MHz Jicamarca, Peru backscatter radar, high spectral resolution OH airglow measurements, and all-sky imaging diagnostics at two sites in Peru. 150 m resolution with the Jicamarca radar has only recently become possible through hardware and data taking upgrades at that radar. The objective of the research is to identify turbulent layer generation mechanisms and their relative effectiveness as a function of season. Like the mesospheric circulation pattern itself, it is expected that the turbulent layer triggering mechanisms are also modulated by the semiannual, annual, and quasi-biennial oscillations. Data acquired during eight distinct observations periods are interpreted within the context of numerical models of D-region plasma and neutral structures now available through NCAR collaboration.