基于武汉MST雷达的中纬度电离层E层不均匀体研究

MST雷达一种用以观测中层（Mesosphere）－平流层（Stratosphere）-对流层（Troposphere）的风场矢量、大气波动和湍流的大型无线电遥感探测系统，其突出特点是具有较高的时间及空间分辨率。电离层E层不均匀体的产生原因和基本结构在不同的纬度条件下均具有不同之处。本项目基于武汉MST雷达（114 8'8"E, 29 31'58"N）探测数据，开展我国中纬度地区电离层E层不均匀体研究。本项目的研究意义在于：可以充分利用MST雷达强大探测能力，发挥其效能，对中纬度电离层E层不均匀体现象展开深入研究，从而大大地拓展武汉MST雷达的使用功能；通过MST雷达对中纬度电离层E层不均匀体的长期观测，可以积累大量观测数据，填补我国在这一纬度地区的E层不均匀体观测数据空白；同时结合高空大气风场观测，可丰富和发展E层不均匀体形成和演变机制研究，具有十分重要科学意义。

MST radar observes wind vector, atmospheric waves, and turbulence of mesosphere-stratosphere-troposphere with high temporal and spatial resolution. The generation mechanism and charactersitic structure of E region ionospheric irregularities varies with latitude. This research aims to comprehensively study the mid-latitude ionospheric E region irregularities in China using the outstanding Wuhan MST radar（114 8'8"E, 29 31'58"N）data. Characteristics of temporal and spatial changes of mid-latitude ionospheric E region irregularities are carefully investigated via the MST radar echoes of E region irregularities, directed towards the establishment of statistical features of mid-latitude E region irregularities from large-scale, long-term data analysis. Furthermore, theoretical and numerical studies are performed to understand the physical mechanism(s) of mid-latitude E region irregularities, including background wind field, electric field, and diversity instabilities. This research can provide important information of mid-latitude E region irregularities in China and greatly improve understandings of the formation and the (temporal and spatial) evolution of mid-latitude E region irregularities, which will in turn largely expand the advanced capbilities and the unique performance of Wuhan MST radar.