CEDAR Postdoc: An Arecibo Observational Study of Seasonal Metal Layer Dynamics and Irregularities Associated with Mid-Latitude Sporadic E

建议在阿雷西博天文台对中纬度金属层动态的季节变化进行为期两年的系统观测研究。 在夏季、冬季和春分期间，将使用阿雷西博激光雷达和非相干散射雷达研究各种金属层（Na、Fe、K、Ca）的发生和行为。 这样的研究将提供一个全面的观点，金属层动态作为一个功能的季节，使我们能够探索中性动力学，化学和等离子体之间的耦合。 阿雷西沃过去的研究集中在一年中特定时间的金属物种案例研究，但PI提议利用阿雷西沃激光雷达的完整功能进行系统的全年研究。 此外，在夏季Es最大的观测加上在一年中的其他时间的观测将提供深入了解金属层动力学和Es的形成和相关的等离子体不规则性之间的关系。 过去在阿雷西博的观测表明，零星的电离层通常与零星的金属层（如钠）有关，但当不稳定性存在时，这些层之间的关系尚未详细探讨。 拟议中的研究是一个令人兴奋的机会，建立一个基线的金属层形态和动力学的理解在中纬度地区。 它也将产生重要的见解Es的形成和相关的不规则性。

A two-year, systematic observational study of the seasonal variations in mid-latitude metal layer dynamics is proposed at the Arecibo Observatory. The occurrence and behavior of various metal layers (Na, Fe, K, Ca) will be investigated using the Arecibo lidars and the incoherent scatter radar during summer, winter and equinox periods. Such a study will provide a comprehensive view of metal layer dynamics as a function of season allowing us to explore the coupling between neutral dynamics, chemistry and the plasma. Past studies at Arecibo have concentrated on case studies of metal species at particular times of year, but the PI proposes a systematic year-round study utilizing the complete capabilities of the Arecibo lidars. In addition, observations during summer Es maximum coupled with observations at other times of year will provide insight into the relationship between metal layer dynamics and the formation of Es and associated plasma irregularities. Past observations at Arecibo have shown that sporadic ionization layers are often associated with sporadic metal layers, such as sodium, but the relationship between such layers when instabilities are present has not been explored in detail. The proposed study represents an exciting opportunity to establish a baseline for the understanding of metal layer morphology and dynamics at mid-latitudes. It will also produce important insights into Es formation and associated irregularities.