Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere at Arecibo

研究所将继续全面研究中间层和低热层大气层。 该计划将利用阿雷西博天文台的非相干散射雷达（ISR）数据和光学设施，阿雷西博的钠/铁共振激光雷达，以及在宾夕法尼亚州立大学进行的数据分析和建模/理论研究。 更新补助金将包括：（1）继续进行ISR/激光雷达观测和模拟研究，小尺度中性大气结构、声重力波、潮汐和零星金属和离子层之间的相互作用（或称“耦合”）;（2）与温度有关的化学作用;（3）6小时潮汐的起源;（4）100- 250 km区域新观测到的短周期波与离子层的复合体;（5）100- 250 km区域新观测到的短周期波与离子层的复合体90- 100 km区域的（有时是复杂的）离子层结构及其与零星金属层的关系;（6）在钠层和离子层以及“背景”电离层中观察到的明显“对流”过程。

The PIs will continue comprehensive studies of mesosphere and lower thermosphere aeronomy. This program will utilize Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) data and optical facilities of Arecibo Observatory, a sodium/iron resonance lidar at Arecibo on a campaign basis, and data analysis coupled with modeling/theoretical studies conducted at Penn State. The renewal grant will cover: (1) continued ISR/lidar observational and modeling investigations of the relationship (or "coupling") between small-scale neutral atmosphere structure, acoustic-gravity waves, tides and the presence of sporadic metal and ion layers; (2) temperature dependent chemistry; (3) the origin of the 6-hour tide; (4) the complex of newly observed short-period waves and ion layers in the 100-250km region; (5) the origin of the (sometimes complex) ion layer structures in the 90-100km region and their relationship to sporadic metal layers; and (6) apparent "convective" processes as observed in the sodium and ion layers as well as in the "background" ionosphere.***