Atmospheric turbulence and the Richardson (Ri) number in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere (MLT)
Whitepaper #383 in the Decadal Survey for Solar and Space Physics (Heliophysics) 2024-2033. Main topics: basic research. Additional topics: system science; space-based missions/projects; user-need-driven basic space weather research.
by Gary Swenson, Pete Dragic, James Clemmons, Channing Philbrick, and Scott England
Published onJul 31, 2023
Atmospheric turbulence and the Richardson (Ri) number in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere (MLT)
An ISS mission will 1) use LIDAR to measure the spatial (Equatorial to ±55°) and intra-annual variation of the Ri (parameterized instability) and turbulence in the 85-110 km altitude region, with a special focus on the data void 96-110 km region, enabling 2) model the vertical distribution of minor constituents with vertical transport and photochemical considerations, 85-140 km altitude.
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