CEDAR: Multi-Diagnostic Characterization of Mesospheric Gravity Wave Propagation at Several Globally Distributed Sites

这是一个为期3年的研究项目，目的是确定四个地理位置80-100公里高度区域大气重力波的发生统计、波特征和动力学。中间层重力波将由分布在全球四个地点的四个类似和经过验证的全天成像系统记录：马萨诸塞州的Millstone Hill、波多黎各的Arecibo天文台、得克萨斯州的McDonald天文台和阿根廷的El Leoncito天文台。将利用在每个地点进行的温度和风的协作测量来确定中层重力波的发生模式和传播特征。还将研究季节性发生的模式以及大气潮汐和行星波的影响。观测将包括活动测量和连续测量，活动期间计划包括由美国航天局热层-电离层-中间层能量学和动力学卫星同时进行的温度和风测量，该卫星将提供补充性的温度和风廓线测量。四个地点的不同位置将允许对重力波的发生进行几次有趣的比较。特别是，重力波的可能来源，如山脉，空间天气来源和半球差异。该项目的更广泛影响包括在所涉四个观测站之间建立强有力的科学合作。公共宣传活动计划和研究机会，为本科生将提供作为国家科学基金会研究经验的本科生（REU）计划的一部分。

This is a 3-year research project to determine occurrence statistics, wave characteristics, and dynamics of atmospheric gravity waves in the 80-100 km altitude region at four geographical locations. Mesospheric gravity waves will be recorded by four similar and proven all-sky imaging systems at four globally distributed locations: Millstone Hill, Massachusetts; Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico; McDonald Observatory, Texas; and El Leoncito Observatory, Argentina. The patterns of occurrence and the propagation characteristics of mesospheric gravity waves will be determined using collaborative temperature and wind measurements at each site. The patterns of seasonal occurrence and the effect of atmospheric tides and planetary waves will also be investigated. The observations will consist of campaign and continuous measurements with the campaign periods being planned to include temperature and winds measurements from simultaneous overpasses by the NASA Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite, which will provide complementary temperature and wind profile measurements. The varied locations of the four sites will allow several interesting comparisons to be made of gravity wave occurrence. In particular, possible sources of gravity waves, such as mountain ranges, space weather sources, and hemispheric differences. Broader impacts of the project includes the establishment of a strong scientific collaboration between the four observatories involved. Public outreach activities are planned for and research opportunities for undergraduate students will be provided as part of the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.