Research Objectives:
This is a propitious time to study a number of atmospheric phenomena, because of the recently-peaked 11-year solar cycle, and NASA's TIMED satellite mission. In addition to measurements derived from instruments on TIMED (Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere-Energetics and Dynamics), this project will install a meteor radar at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Concentrating on the dynamics of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, this group looks at:
+ The space-time decomposition of wave motions
+ Delineation of the spatial climatology over Antarctica with emphasis on the structure of the polar vortex
+ Dynamical response to energetic events
+ Inter-annual variability
The meteor radar is a VHF system capable of measuring the spatial structure and temporal evolution of the horizontal wind field over the South Pole. Spatial climatology data will also come from existing ground-based radars at Davis Station, Syowa Station, Rothera Station, and the Amundsen-Scott base.
As NASA's TIMED satellite orbits over the South Pole, wind and temperature data will provide counterpoint and corroborative information. Experiments based both in space and on the ground may be mounted, and data that was previously reliant on a single source can be better validated.
