Multi-Diagnostic Characterization of Mesospheric Gravity Wave Propagation at the Arecibo Observatory

Trustees Of Boston University, Boston

Investigators

Abstract

Nested instrumentation at the Arecibo Observatory is used to investigate the characteristics of gravity wave structure and propagation in the mesosphere and thermosphere, and to investigate possibly associated fluctuations in electron density. Instruments to be used include an all-sky imager, the incoherent scatter radar (ISR), two Fabry-Perot interferometers (one green line and one red line), a sodium resonance lidar, and a potassium resonance lidar. Specific gravity wave characteristics to be determined during new observation campaigns and from existing data are wave phase speed and period, and the conditions necessary for ducting of gravity waves.