Dynamics of the Antarctic Atmosphere - From the Surface to the Edge of Space

80 ~ 100 km高度的中间层/低热层（MLT）是大气与空间环境耦合的关键。MLT动力学主要由行星波、潮汐和重力波控制。那里的物理过程塑造了上升的波浪和潮汐场，控制着大气与近地空间的耦合。这些过程在垂直耦合最强的南极特别重要。MLT响应太阳变率，并可能将此信号介导到陆地气候中。然而，所涉及的物理机制仍然知之甚少。在这里，我们将使用先进的雷达、成像仪和NASA卫星来回答有关南极MLT动力学的基本问题。我们将研究月球引起的大气潮汐是否将平流层突然变暖的影响传播到近地空间，我们将结合雷达、成像仪和卫星数据来确定波浪和潮汐的耦合，我们将研究南极MLT如何响应太阳变率。

The mesosphere/lower-thermosphere (MLT) at heights of about 80 - 100 km is critical in the coupling of the atmosphere and space environment. MLT dynamics are dominated by planetary waves, tides and gravity waves. Physical processes there shape the ascending field of waves and tides, controlling the coupling of the atmosphere to near-Earth space. These processes are particularly important in the Antarctic where vertical coupling is strongest. The MLT responds to solar variability and may mediate this signal into terrestrial climate. However, the physical mechanisms involved remain poorly understood.Here, we will use sophisticated radars, imagers and NASA satellites to answer fundamental questions about Antarctic MLT dynamics. We will investigate whether atmospheric tides raised by the Moon transmit the influence of dramatic sudden stratospheric warmings into near-Earth space, we will combine radar, imager and satellite data to determine the coupling of waves and tides and we will investigate how the Antarctic MLT responds to solar variability.