Auroral and Atmospheric Physics

Recent studies include the generation of acoustic-gravity waves by tsunamis and their subsequent propagation to the upper atmosphere where they perturb the ionosphere; the ducting of gravity waves in natural waveguides in the upper atmosphere; the upward transport of horizontal momentum by gravity waves and its impact on the atmospheric mean state; the effect of gravity waves on chemiluminescent airglow emissions emanating from the upper atmosphere; the effect of molecular diffusion on group velocity; and the propagation and dissipation of acoustic-gravity waves in a binary gas.

Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL):

​Drs. Sivjee, Hughes and Zettergren:

Earth's atmosphere is naturally divided into a number of different regions based on the temperatures and densities at different altitudes. Solar photons and particles interact with these various layers to produce a wide variety of effects which include, for example, auroras, nightglow and atmospheric heating or cooling. Faculty and student researchers in SPRLinvestigate these effects primarily using a suite of ground-based spectrometers, interferometers and photometers. Detailed observations of the light emitted by the atmosphere combined with theoretical models provide insights into how the Sun and its activity impact Earth's atmosphere.

Dr. John Olivero:

Dr. Olivero's interests are in the composition, chemistry, and transport within the neutral mesosphere and lower thermosphere. He has engaged in remote sensing from the surface, from rockets, from satellites, and from the Space Shuttle using gamma-rays, UV, visible, IR, and microwave measurements. His current research focuses primarily on "clouds at the edge of space" - Polar Mesospheric Clouds (also known as Noctilucent Clouds) - their origins, microphysics, and connection to Global Change.