Super dual auroral radar network observations of fluctuations in the spectral distribution of near range meteor echoes in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere

N. F. Arnold, T. R. Robinson, M. Lester, P. B. Byrne, P. J. Chapman

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The Doppler shifts of meteor echoes measured by the SuperDARN HF radar network have been used in several studies to observe neutral winds in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere region. In the absence of accurate height information for individual meteors, it has been necessary to assume a statistical mean meteor layer where the variations in altitude were not correlated to changes in the horizontal winds. Observations of spectral width distribution variations made by the radars allow an independent determination of the systematic error in the height. We have investigated the dependence of this distribution on a number of factors including the radar geometry, diurnal and seasonal cycles, variations in solar UV irradiance and geomagnetic activity. Changes in the altitude of the mean meteor layer observed at different radar ranges provide us with some insight into the structure of the upper mesosphere and the lower thermosphere within which the meteors are being ablated. An examination of the spectral widths, as measured by the CUTLASS Finland radar, in the days preceding and following a Storm Sudden Commencement in April 1997, illustrates how the spectral properties of the observed region can be affected. The variations in the widths were consistent with model calculations of the changes to the temperature profile over this interval. Further refinements in the determination of the spectral width are outlined for future experiments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)425-434
Number of pages10
JournalAnnales Geophysicae
Volume19
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2001
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Meterology and atmospheric dynamics (middle atmosphere dynamics; thermospheric dynamics; instruments and techniques)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Geology
  • Atmospheric Science
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Space and Planetary Science

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