CEDAR: Multi-Diagnostic Characterization of Mesospheric Gravity Wave Propagation at Several Globally Distributed Sites

这是一个为期3年的研究项目，旨在确定四个地理位置80-100公里海拔区域大气重力波的发生统计、波特性和动力学。中间层重力波将由分布在全球四个地点的四个类似且经过验证的全天成像系统记录：马萨诸塞州的米尔斯顿山；波多黎各阿雷西博天文台；德克萨斯州麦克唐纳天文台；以及阿根廷的莱昂西托天文台。中间层重力波的发生模式和传播特征将利用每个站点的协同温度和风测量来确定。还将研究季节发生的模式以及大气潮汐和行星波的影响。观测将包括活动和连续测量，活动期间计划包括由NASA热层-电离层-中间层能量学和动力学（TIMED）卫星同时进行的立交桥温度和风测量，这将提供补充的温度和风廓线测量。这四个地点的不同位置可以对重力波的发生进行一些有趣的比较。特别是重力波的可能来源，如山脉、空间天气源和半球差异。该项目的更广泛影响包括在参与的四个天文台之间建立强有力的科学合作。作为美国国家科学基金会本科生研究经验项目的一部分，计划为本科生提供公众宣传活动和研究机会。

This is a 3-year research project to determine occurrence statistics, wave characteristics, and dynamics of atmospheric gravity waves in the 80-100 km altitude region at four geographical locations. Mesospheric gravity waves will be recorded by four similar and proven all-sky imaging systems at four globally distributed locations: Millstone Hill, Massachusetts; Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico; McDonald Observatory, Texas; and El Leoncito Observatory, Argentina. The patterns of occurrence and the propagation characteristics of mesospheric gravity waves will be determined using collaborative temperature and wind measurements at each site. The patterns of seasonal occurrence and the effect of atmospheric tides and planetary waves will also be investigated. The observations will consist of campaign and continuous measurements with the campaign periods being planned to include temperature and winds measurements from simultaneous overpasses by the NASA Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite, which will provide complementary temperature and wind profile measurements. The varied locations of the four sites will allow several interesting comparisons to be made of gravity wave occurrence. In particular, possible sources of gravity waves, such as mountain ranges, space weather sources, and hemispheric differences. Broader impacts of the project includes the establishment of a strong scientific collaboration between the four observatories involved. Public outreach activities are planned for and research opportunities for undergraduate students will be provided as part of the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.