Resolute Bay Observatory - Research, Operations, and Coordination

Sri International, Menlo Park CA

Investigators

Abstract

ATM9908653abs SRI International will continue operating an atmospheric observing facility at Resolute Bay, Northwest Territories, Canada, and to conduct and coordinate scientific research efforts in association with the observations. SRI constructed the observatory and has operated it for the past six years under combined support from the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) and the Division of Atmospheric Sciences (ATM). It currently houses seven different instruments that routinely make measurements of atmospheric properties from the mesosphere through the thermosphere. SRI will operate and maintain the basic physical plant, operate a Frequency Agile Radar and imagers on a campaign basis, assist in operating and maintaining guest instruments, help investigators plan and conduct experiments, and act as the official liaison to the Government of the Territory of Nunavut. The project will foster the education of future polar scientists and provide a test bed for new techniques for polar atmospheric monitoring. Phenomena to be studied include polar cap arcs and patches, polar mesospheric summer echoes, and auroral and tidal forcing on the neutral atmosphere. The next few year of operation will be exceptionally fruitful due to the rising level of solar activity. Funding for the infrastructure, operations, and scientific research will continue to be shared between OPP and ATM.