CEDAR: Geophysical Study of Mesopause Region: Completion of One Solar Cycle of Lidar Observation at Fort Collins, CO (41N, 105W)

Colorado State University, Fort Collins CO

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract She ATM-0003171 This award will provide for the continuation of mesosphere and lower thermosphere temperature and wind observations from Ft. Collins, CO. The extension of the existing 9 year database over the 5 years of this award to 14 years will make possible a detailed analysis of the long term trends in this atmospheric region, which is largely a result of the solar flux variation. Current analysis shows that there is a possibility of a small temperature change that might be a result of the anthropogenic influence arising from global change. However, at present this conclusion is only tentative as the measurement series is too short compared with the length of the solar cycle (11 years) to put this conclusion on a sound footing. Instrumental improvements will also provide for possible measurements of long terms variations of horizontal wind speed and direction as well as decadal temperature trends.