Project Title

Lower thermospheric science using new meteor radar at McMurdo Station

Summary

Event Number:
A-284-M

Program Director:
Dr. Robert Moore

ASC POC/Implementer:
John Rand / Paul Sullivan

Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. Scott Palo
scott.palo@colorado.edu
University of Colorado Boulder
Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences
Boulder, Colorado

Location

Supporting Stations: McMurdo Station
Research Locations: McMurdo Station

Description

This project observes the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) between 80 and 120 kilometers above the earth. This is a highly dynamic region that couples the lower terrestrial atmosphere with the upper atmosphere near-earth space environment. Of particular importance in this region are the upward propagating thermally-forced atmospheric tides, global-scale planetary waves, and small-scale gravity waves. All these phenomena transport heat and momentum from the lower atmosphere into the upper atmosphere. The primary goal of this research is to observe, quantify, model, and further understand the spatial-temporal structure and variability of the MLT circulation above Antarctica.

Field Season Overview

The instrumentation for this project is located in the pass area between McMurdo and Scott Base stations. It runs continuously year-round, essentially autonomously, with only limited intervention required by personnel onsite and by the researchers via the internet. As the radar is continuously performing within established operating parameters and being regularly monitored by our on-site research associates, no grantee field visit is required this season. A detailed annual site inspection and data retrieval dispatch will be coordinated remotely between the on-site staff and the grantee research institution.