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Full-Text Articles in Physics

Retrieval And Validation Of Mesospheric Temperatures From Wind Imaging Interferometer Observations, M G. Shepherd, B Reid, S Zhang, B H. Solheim, G G. Shepherd, Vincent B. Wickwar, Joshua P. Herron Jan 2001

Retrieval And Validation Of Mesospheric Temperatures From Wind Imaging Interferometer Observations, M G. Shepherd, B Reid, S Zhang, B H. Solheim, G G. Shepherd, Vincent B. Wickwar, Joshua P. Herron

All Physics Faculty Publications

A method has been developed for the retrieval of mesospheric temperatures in the 65–90 km altitude range from satellite observations made by the Wind Imaging Interferometer (WINDII) aboard the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). Retrieved temperatures are derived from Rayleigh scattered sunlight observed in a wavelength band centered at 553 nm. Integrated line-of-sight radiance observations are inverted to tangent height volume scattering profiles, which are proportional to atmospheric density. From these, absolute temperature profiles are calculated using a technique derived from established Rayleigh lidar retrieval methods assuming that the atmosphere is in hydrostatic equilibrium and that it obeys the ideal …


Mesospheric Temperature Observationsat The Usu / Cass Atmospheric Lidar Observatory (Alo), Vincent B. Wickwar, T D. Wilkerson, M Hammond, Joshua P. Herron Jan 2001

Mesospheric Temperature Observationsat The Usu / Cass Atmospheric Lidar Observatory (Alo), Vincent B. Wickwar, T D. Wilkerson, M Hammond, Joshua P. Herron

All Physics Faculty Publications

The Center for Atmospheric and Space Sciences (CASS) at Utah State University (USU) operates the ALO for studying the middle atmosphere from the stratosphere to the lower thermosphere. ALO’s mid-latitude location (41.74°N, 111.81°W, 1466 m) is very unique in that it is in the middle of an extensive set of rugged mountains, the Rocky Mountains, which are a major orographic source of gravity waves that may give rise to a longitudinal variation in the mesospheric structure. Mesospheric observations between approximately 45 and 90 km have been carried out on many clear nights with the ALO Rayleigh- scatter lidar since late …