College of Arts & Sciences Research

Vertical constituent transport is a fundamental atmospheric process that has profound effects on the chemistry and composition of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). The contributions of gravity wave to the transport and its impact on the composition and structure of the mesopause region is being investigated using a combination of theory, observations and atmospheric chemical models.

This project utilizes Na and Fe wind/temperature lidar, meteor radar and airglow observations being collected at Cerro Pachón, Chile and Table Mountain, CO. The objectives are to quantify wave-induced transport in the mesopause region above these sites, to characterize its effects on the fluxes and vertical distribution of heat, Na, Fe, O and other key constituents. The fundamental goal of this research is to enhance our ability to model the constituent structure of the MLT by improving our understanding of wave-induced vertical transport and its relationship to atmospheric chemistry.