Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radar (AMISR) Graduate Studies: High-Latitude E-region Electrodynamics

研究人员将使用阿拉斯加和Resolute Bay的高级模块化非相干散射雷达（AMISR）系统研究高纬度地区的E区电动力学。 这项研究将为科罗拉多大学航空航天工程研究生的博士论文奠定基础。 目的是利用新的AMISR雷达系统提供E区电动力学特性的高度分辨观测，包括电子密度、离子运动、电流密度、焦耳加热率和中性风。 AMISR系统的独特能力还将有助于解决目前限制这些类型研究的时空模糊性。 这项研究将集中在两个具体的科学问题：（1）在什么高度垂直于磁场的高纬度离子运动开始偏离对流方向，以及离子如何在这个高度以下的行为，（2）我们可以了解更多关于上E区中性风使用一种新的方法来非相干散射雷达测量。 该研究涉及的E和F区视线AMISR测量矢量速度场的确定。 这些速度场将被用来估计E区电动参数，包括中性风。 这项研究将促进教学、培训和学习，并将为提高女工程师/科学家的地位提供机会。 这些技术将纳入雷达和遥感研究生课程的课程。 所获得的数据将得到迅速和广泛的传播，并将发表新的经同行审查的研究报告，以加强对极地E区域电离层的科学了解。 具体说明和预测空间气象能力的提高将带来社会惠益。 为AMISR开发的观测技术将应用于今后从阿拉斯加扑克坪发射的火箭。

The investigators will study E-region electrodynamics at high latitudes using the Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radar (AMISR) systems in Alaska and Resolute Bay. The research will form the foundation for a PhD thesis by a University of Colorado aerospace engineering graduate student. The objective is to exploit the new AMISR radar system to provide height-resolved observations of the electrodynamic properties of the E-region, including electron density, ion motion, current density, Joule heating rates and neutral winds. The unique capabilities of the AMISR system will also help resolve spatial-temporal ambiguities that presently limit these types of studies. The research will focus on two specific science questions: (1) At what altitude does high-latitude ion motion perpendicular to the magnetic field begin to deviate from the convection direction, and how do the ions behave below this altitude, and (2) Can we learn more about upper E region neutral winds using a novel approach to incoherent scatter radar measurements. The study involves the determination of vector velocity fields from E and F region line-of-sight AMISR measurements. These velocity fields will be used to estimate E-region electrodynamic parameters, including the neutral wind. The research will promote teaching, training and learning, and will provide the opportunity for the advancement of a woman engineer/scientist. The techniques will be incorporated into the curriculum of a graduate course in Radar and Remote Sensing. Data acquired will be rapidly and broadly disseminated and new peer-reviewed research will be published that will enhance scientific understanding of the polar E region ionosphere. Societal benefits will result from improvements in the ability to specify and predict space weather. The observational techniques developed for AMISR will be applied to future rocket launches from Poker Flat, Alaska.