CEDAR: New Opportunities for Mesospheric and Lower Thermospheric Research at Atmospheric Lidar Observatory (ALO)

Utah State University, Logan UT

Investigators

Abstract

The investigators will use observations from the Atmospheric Lidar Observatory at Utah State University to study the temperature structure of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. A recent upgrade to the lidar has increased the sensitivity of the system by a factor of 30. The first task is to continue and extend ongoing research that involves comparison of measured temperatures with those computed using a first-principles model. Resolution of discrepancies will reveal information about the role of gravity waves and chemistry in heating, and the effects of the large-scale circulation pattern. The second task is to relate processes occurring below 80 km altitude with processes at higher altitudes where measurements have not been possible before. The third task is to look for effects of stratospheric winds and waves in the lower thermosphere. Finally, the lidar will be used to look for further evidence of noctilucent cloud formation at mid-latitudes. Previously confined to high latitudes only, the appearance of a noctilucent cloud over Utah in June of 1999 may be an indication of cooler mesospheric temperatures caused by global climate change.