Observations of Atmospheric Waves in the Thermosphere with ICON

Abstract:

Atmospheric waves play an key role in coupling different regions of the Earth’s atmosphere. Clear evidence of wave coupling from the troposphere to the thermosphere and from the thermosphere to the ionosphere have previously been reported. Observations from both ground and space have previously revealed significant perturbations to the ionosphere that result from atmosphere waves in the lower thermosphere region, where coupling to the ionosphere via the E-region dynamo can play a significant role. However, observations of atmospheric waves both in the dynamo region and above are comparatively rare and much about the nature of waves and their impacts at these higher altitudes is not known. This is important as both the degree of coupling between the neutrals and ions varies with altitude, as well as the nature of the waves themselves as diffusive separation and ion drag become increasingly important at higher altitude. New results of atmospheric waves at altitudes above the lower thermosphere from observations with ICON will be presented.