Ionospheric Modelling and Simulation: In cooperation with the Arctic Regions Supercomputer Center and staff Sergei Maurits and Anton Kulchitsky we have a three-dimensional time-dependent multi-ion model of the polar ionosphere/ This is used for space-weather studies of the upper atmosphere, and simulations of radio-wave propagation through the ionospheric plasma.

Incoherent-scatter radar studies of the polar ionosphere. We use the NSF radar facility at Sondrestrom, Greenland. Recent work has involved studies of thin metallic ion layers that form from meteor metals under the influence of electric fields and wind action.

Modeling of Sodium Chemistry in the upper atmosphere: Neutral and ionized sodium occurs in the upper atmosphere (about 80-100 km height) from meteor ablation. Our modelling effort seeks to understand the seasonal behavior of the background layer and the occurrence of thin sporadic layers of atomic sodium.

Imaging Riometer Studies: A riometer is an instrument that monitors the background radio emission (about 30-40 MHz frequency) from from space. The occurrence of ionization in the collision-domianted region of the upper atmosphere will absorb these radio waves. This radio-wave absorption monitored on an array of antennas can in turn be used to monitor electron densities over a two-dimensional region above the instrument. We have used instruments at Poker Flat Alaska, and Sondrestrom, Greenland to map sporadic layers of metal ions, and regions of auroral electron precipitation.

Development of a Diagnostic Radar for HAARP: We are participating in the development of a phased-array solid-state radar for the HAARP (High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program) at Gakona Alaska. The initial purpose of the radar is to detect enhanced plasma lines induced by ionospheric-heating using high-power radio waves. Later expansions should allow incoherent-scatter radar studies.

Radar-Scattering from Auroral-Zone Structures: Analysis of long-term data from a 50 MHz radar located in Anchorage Alaska is currently underway. The radar points north at low elevation and scatters from a variety of plasma stuctures in the ionosphere over Alaska. We are seeking long-term effects in this data possibly from global change effects.

The Poker Flat MF Radar: Radar operates at approximately 2 MHZ and receives echoes from the lower ionosphere, 70-100km to determine overhead atmospheric strcutures and winds. This instrument, as well as the Imaging riometer, were installed by Comunications Research Lab, Tokyo, and our research is conducted in cooperation with CRL.

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