Creation of Polar Mesospheric Summer Echo Layers

Investigator(s):

Reginald Hill (PI) ; David Fritts (Co-PI) ; Dorothy Gibson-Wilde (Co-PI) ; Christian Meyer (Co-PI) ; Joseph Werne (Co-PI)

Sponsor:

NorthWest Research Associates, Incorporated, WA 98007 4256449660

Start Date/Expiration Date

2002-06-01 to 2006-01-31 (amended 2004-03-22)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$358,202

Abstract: This project will investigate the processes of formation and evolution of polar mesospheric summer echoes (PMSE) and mesospheric summer echoes (MSE). Non-turbulent and weakly turbulent PMSE and MSE events will be investigated through a combination of modeling studies and observational data from radar and rocket-based instrumentation. Rocket data will provide ion, electron, and temperature profiles at very high vertical resolution which can be used to constrain the modeling problems. The anticipated outcomes of this project are a comprehensive understanding of PMSE and MSE formation and structure and interpretation of rocket and radar data, which will lead to enhanced design of experiments and instruments.

NSF Org:

ATM - Division of Atmospheric Sciences

Award Number:

0138982

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):

UNASSIGNED, 0000

Program Element Code(s):

1521