Ionospheric Disturbances Related to the Stratospheric Sudden Warmings

研究人员将集中研究平流层突然变暖对电离层的影响。该项目将侧重于综合实验研究，利用现有的实验数据以及来自专门实验活动的新数据。目的是：(1)提高对平流层突然变暖（SSW）与电离层/热层系统变化之间关系的理解；(2)表征这些变化。大气-电离层系统的动态耦合是一个复杂的跨学科问题。目前的想法表明，从低层大气向上传播的内部大气波（行星波、潮汐、重力波）是热层和嵌入电离层的能量和动量的重要来源。SSW是大气-电离层系统耦合最清晰、最强烈的表现。最近的研究表明，从地面到热层以及从两极到赤道的所有大气层都与SSW耦合。然而，这种耦合的机制只得到了部分解决。虽然低层和中层大气的过程与行星波异常有关，但与高层的耦合以及行星波、潮汐和重力波的作用却不太清楚。这项研究将基于美国国家科学基金会（NSF）非相干散射雷达设施的新测量和对大海拔范围内多个电离层参数的深入案例研究的独特组合。结果将阐明在平流层动力学和温度大变化时电离层和热层可能发生的变化。对具有强垂直耦合的大型动力学事件的关注有望发现安静时间电离层和热层变率的新来源和机制。了解行星波和潮汐所起的作用是理解和预测电离层和热层状态的关键一步。该研究将促进国际研究人员之间的合作，支持来自代表性不足群体的年轻科学家，并通过麻省理工学院的本科生研究机会（UROP）计划和美国国家科学基金会的本科生研究经验（REU）计划让几名本科生参与其中。

The investigators will conduct a focused on the ionospheric effects of sudden stratospheric warmings. This project will focus on comprehensive experimental studies, using existing experimental data as well as new data from dedicated experimental campaigns. The aim is to (1) improve understanding of the relationship between sudden stratospheric warmings (SSW) and the variations in the ionosphere/thermosphere system and (2) to characterize these variations.The dynamic coupling of the atmosphere-ionosphere system is a complex interdisciplinary problem. Current thinking suggests that the upward propagation of internal atmospheric waves (planetary waves, tides, gravity waves) from the lower atmosphere is an important source of energy and momentum for the thermosphere and embedded ionosphere. SSW is the clearest and strongest manifestation of the coupling in the atmosphere-ionosphere system. Recent studies suggest that a SSW couples all atmospheric layers from the ground to the thermosphere and from the poles to the equator. However, the mechanism of this coupling is only partly resolved. While the processes in the lower and middle atmosphere are related to planetary wave anomalies, the coupling to the upper layers and the roles of planetary waves, tides and gravity waves, are less clear. This research will be based on a unique combination of new measurements at the NSF Incoherent Scatter Radar facilities and in-depth case studies of multiple ionospheric parameters over a large altitude range. The results will illuminate the kind of variations can occur in the ionosphere and thermosphere during large changes in stratospheric dynamics and temperature. The focus on large dynamical events with strong vertical coupling holds promise for discovering new sources and mechanisms of quiet-time ionospheric and thermospheric variability. Understanding the roles played by planetary waves and tides is a crucial step in understanding and predicting the state of ionosphere and thermosphere. The study will foster collaboration between international researchers, support a young scientist from an underrepresented group, and involve several undergraduate students through MIT's Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROP) program and the NSF's Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program.