U.S-Japan Cooperative Science: Collaborative Investigations of Middle Atmospheric Dynamics: Gravity Waves and Sprites Using Coordinated Optical and Radar Measurements

9815949Taylor该奖项支持犹他州立大学Michael Taylor教授和日本仙台东北大学Hiroshi Fukunishi教授为期三年的合作研究项目。研究人员将利用协调的光学和雷达测量，对包括重力波和精灵在内的中层大气动力学进行研究。中间层顶区域通常被认为是地球中性大气和电离“空间天气”环境之间的“天花板”或过渡区。潮汐、行星波，特别是小尺度、短周期重力波，现在已知通过能量和动量沉积对该区域产生重大影响。然而，对中层顶区域的热结构、组成和动力变异性的详细测量仍处于起步阶段。本研究将重点研究两种重要的大气现象：(1)短周期重力波和(2)闪电诱导精灵和精灵。研究人员将通过合作观测、数据分析和讨论来研究中层大气中的动力和电动力耦合和过程。该项目汇集了两个具有互补专业知识和研究能力的实验室的努力。预计研究结果将大大提高在理解这两种基本现象方面取得重大进展的潜力。本研究通过研究生的参与促进了国际人力资源的发展。通过思想和技术的交流，该项目将扩大我们的基础知识基础，促进国际间的了解与合作

9815949TaylorThis award supports a three year collaborative research project between Professor Michael Taylor of Utah State University and Professor Hiroshi Fukunishi of Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan. The researchers will be undertaking a study of middle atmospheric dynamics including gravity waves and sprites using coordinated optical and radar measurements. The mesopause region is often regarded as a "ceiling" or transition zone between the earth's neutral atmosphere and it's ionized "space weather" environment. Tides, planetary waves and, in particular, small-scale, short-period gravity waves are now known to exert a major influence on this region through energy and momentum deposition. However, detailed measurements of the thermal structure, composition and dynamical variability of the mesopause region are still in their infancy. This study will focus on two important atmospheric phenomena: (1) short-period gravity waves and (2) lightning induced Sprites and Elves. The researchers will investigate dynamical and electrodynamical coupling and processes within the middle atmosphere through collaborative observations, data analysis and discussions. This project brings together the efforts of two laboratories that have complementary expertise and research capabilities. It is anticipated that results of the research will greatly enhance the potential for major advances in understanding these two basic phenomena. This research advances international human resources through the participation of graduate students. Through the exchange of ideas and technology, this project will broaden our base of basic knowledge and promote international understanding and cooperation.***