Dynamics of the Antarctic Atmosphere - From the Surface to the Edge of Space

高度约为80 - 100公里的中间层/低热层对于大气层和空间环境的耦合至关重要。MLT动力学主要由行星波、潮汐和重力波控制。那里的物理过程塑造了波浪和潮汐的上升场，控制着大气与近地空间的耦合。这些过程在垂直耦合最强的南极特别重要。MLT响应于太阳变率，并可能将此信号传递到陆地气候中。在这里，我们将使用先进的雷达，成像仪和美国宇航局的卫星来回答有关南极MLT动力学的基本问题。我们将研究月球引起的大气潮汐是否将急剧的平流层突然变暖的影响传递到近地空间，我们将结合联合收割机雷达，成像仪和卫星数据来确定波和潮汐的耦合，我们将研究南极MLT如何响应太阳的变化。

The mesosphere/lower-thermosphere (MLT) at heights of about 80 - 100 km is critical in the coupling of the atmosphere and space environment. MLT dynamics are dominated by planetary waves, tides and gravity waves. Physical processes there shape the ascending field of waves and tides, controlling the coupling of the atmosphere to near-Earth space. These processes are particularly important in the Antarctic where vertical coupling is strongest. The MLT responds to solar variability and may mediate this signal into terrestrial climate. However, the physical mechanisms involved remain poorly understood.Here, we will use sophisticated radars, imagers and NASA satellites to answer fundamental questions about Antarctic MLT dynamics. We will investigate whether atmospheric tides raised by the Moon transmit the influence of dramatic sudden stratospheric warmings into near-Earth space, we will combine radar, imager and satellite data to determine the coupling of waves and tides and we will investigate how the Antarctic MLT responds to solar variability.