Investigating gravity wave dynamics and mesospheric temperature variability using an Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (AMTM)
Abstract
The Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (AMTM) is a wide-field (120°) high-performance digital imaging system developed at Utah State University. The AMTM is capable of precision measurements of the OH(3,1) band intensity and rotational temperature ( 2K in < 30 sec) important for quantifying the effects of a broad-spectrum of gravity waves at the 87 km level, with periods ranging from several minutes to many hours. The nocturnal OH temperature data are also of high value for planetary wave (PW) and seasonal studies. Four AMTM's have been developed: two are currently operational at high latitudes, in Antarctica (McMurdo and South Pole), one in the Arctic (ALOMAR, Norway / Poker Flat, Alaska), and one recently sited in South America at Rio Grande, Argentina. This presentation highlights observations and results from several campaigns and illustrate the variety of the data often obtained in coordination with lidar and radar measurements. Selected studies include (a) gravity wave propagation and fluxes and PW temperature signatures at polar latitudes, (b) mountain wave breaking events at meospause heights, (c) opportune daytime observations of OH airglow structure during the 2017 Solar Eclipse, and (d) new coordinated AMTM and lidar observations under the largest gravity wave "hot spot" on Earth!
- Publication:
-
42nd COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- July 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018cosp...42E3347T