Vertical Gravity Wave Coupling Combining Ground and Satellite Based Measurements

Gravity waves are influential drivers of the ionosphere-thermosphere (I-T) region. Gravity waves perturb background neutral and ion densities, temperatures, and winds. The dissipation of gravity waves in this region also leads to drag on background winds, altering the mean wind and circulation. There remain limited capabilities for measurements in the lower thermosphere despite the important role that gravity waves play in the dynamics of this region. Additionally, understanding sources of gravity waves in the thermosphere is important for improving thermospheric models. This study seeks to investigate wave coupling from the stratosphere to the I-T region over Alaska by combining both ground and satellite-based data sources. The Scanning Doppler Imager in Poker Flat Research Range (-147W, 65N) obtains zonal and meridional wind speeds in the red line emission, 630.0nm, which occurs near 250km in altitude. The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder uses 4.3-micron CO2 emissions to derive brightness temperature perturbations in the stratosphere. The Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar provides information regarding gravity wave associated travelling ionospheric disturbances in altitude and time. We use wavelet analysis to acquire wave information in the different atmospheric regions, and determine gravity wave propagation conditions in the stratosphere and mesosphere using MERRA-2 reanalysis data to further determine gravity wave sources.