Collaborative Research: Equatorial Studies of the Mesopause Region using Meteor Radars

Investigator(s):

Denise Thorsen (PI)

Sponsor:

University of Alaska Fairbanks Campus, AK 99709 9074747314

Start Date/Expiration Date

2001-09-01 to 2005-08-31 (amended 2004-09-09)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$52,485

Abstract: This proposal is for the study of electric field effects on meteor trails in the equatorial region. Additionally, the PIs seek to understand any deviation of the radar scattering properties of a meteor trail from traditional specular reflection processes. These scientific goals require the upgrade and continued operation of an existing meteor radar at Piura, Peru (5S, 81W). The upgrade at this site consists of installing a complete all-sky meteor radar system, so that the angle-of-arrival of meteoric backscatter can be unambiguously determined. In addition, archive data from Christmas Island will be analyzed for meteor winds as well. As a byproduct of this work routine mean wind, tidal amplitudes and phases, and meteor decay statistics will be available to the scientific community via a web server.

NSF Org:

ATM - Division of Atmospheric Sciences

Award Number:

0103643

Award Instrument:

Continuing grant

Program Manager:

Robert B. Kerr
ATM Division of Atmospheric Sciences
GEO Directorate for Geosciences

NSF Program(s):

AERONOMY

Field Application(s):

Space

Program Reference Code(s):

EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, 9150
UNASSIGNED, 0000

Program Element Code(s):

1521