Global middle atmosphere dynamics using meteor and VHF radar networks

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Over the past 10 years, a chain of 12 atmospheric/meteor radars has been constructed that stretches from the Antarctic to the Arctic through North and South America. I am principal investigator on 5, share a sixth, and collaborate with other scientists on another 6. Others exist world-wide. These radars all have a common heritage, scientifically designed by me. They measure winds and temperatures between 80 and 100 km altitude, and I am still developing even more applications. This spread represents the broadest latitudinal coverage and highest latitudinal density of any single type of middle atmosphere radar. I am currently integrating all the data from these facilities into a common web site at which all these data are displayed and updated every few hours, facilitating interactions between the radar owners and other researchers world-wide. The web site, and the ensuing collaborative science that is resulting, represents the first time that middle atmosphere meteorology has been displayed for general user access in near-real-time on such a frequent and world-wide scale. This system will allow unique new perspectives on global studies of upper atmospheric dynamics, comparable in latitudinal coverage to many satellites, and superior to all satellites in regard to temporal coverage and vertical resolution. When combined with several other VHF windprofiler radars that I operate in Canada, including in the Arctic, the system makes a powerful national and international major facility for studies of atmospheric processes at 80 to 100 km altitude. The proposed program of research will capitalize on this unique capability. Studies will include wind and temperature investigations of planetary wave, tidal and gravity wave oscillations, studies of momentum flux and divergence, wind forcing, vertical winds, turbulence strengths and microsctructure, radar scattering mechanisms, effects of enhanced Carbon Dioxide in the upper atmosphere, and meteor/space-debris physics, among others. The network has already been employed to assist with NASA Space Shuttle re-entries. With 46 refereed publications in the last 6 years, I have proven my capability to successfully employ these networks, and look forward to achieving their full potential.