Contains 15 papers or abstracts presented at SCAR Workshop on Energetics and Dynamics of the Middle and the Upper Atmosphere at High Southern Latitudes held in Bremerhaven, Federal Republic of Germany, September 25-28, 1984 as part of XVII SCAR Meeting. Papers cover polar cap and cusp phenomena, the VLF wave and wave-particle interactions, rocket experiments, energy transfer from solar wind, the project ISAAC, CNA phenomena and future plans in Antarctica.
A comprehensive overview of the structure and variability of the upper atmosphere Earth's upper atmosphere is an open system that is strongly influenced by energy and momentum inputs from both above and below. New observation and modeing techniques have provided insights into dynamics, energetics, and chemical processes in the upper atmosphere. Upper Atmosphere Dynamics and Energetics presents an overview of key research advances in upper atmospheric physics, and measurement and modeling techniques, along with remaining challenges for understanding the state and variability of the upper atmospheric system. Volume highlights include: Insights into the interconnections between different areas of upper atmospheric science Appreciation of the dynamics and complexity of the global upper atmospheric system Techniques for observing and measuring the upper atmosphere Responses of the upper atmosphere to external drivers The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals. Find out more about the Space Physics and Aeronomy collection in this Q&A with the Editors in Chief
The magnetosphere is the region where cosmic rays and the solar wind interact with the Earth's magnetic field, creating such phenomena as the northern lights and other aurorae. The configuration and dynamics of the magnetosphere are of interest to planetary physicists, geophysicists, plasma astrophysicists, and to scientists planning space missions. The circulation of solar wind plasma in the magnetosphere and substorms have long been used as the principle paradigms for studying this vital region. Charles F. Kennel, a leading scientist in the field, here presents a synthesis of the convection and substorm literatures, and an analysis of convection and substorm interactions; he also suggests that the currently accepted steady reconnection model may be advantageously replaced by a model of multiple tail reconnection events, in which many mutually interdependent reconnections occur. Written in an accessible, non-mathematical style, this book introduces the reader to the exciting discoveries in this fast-growing field.
Technology has propelled the atmospheric sciences from a fledgling discipline to a global enterprise. Findings in this field shape a broad spectrum of decisions--what to wear outdoors, whether aircraft should fly, how to deal with the issue of climate change, and more. This book presents a comprehensive assessment of the atmospheric sciences and offers a vision for the future and a range of recommendations for federal authorities, the scientific community, and education administrators. How does atmospheric science contribute to national well-being? In the context of this question, the panel identifies imperatives in scientific observation, recommends directions for modeling and forecasting research, and examines management issues, including the growing problem of weather data availability. Five subdisciplines--physics, chemistry, dynamics and weather forecasting, upper atmosphere and near-earth space physics, climate and climate change--and their status as the science enters the twenty-first century are examined in detail, including recommendations for research. This readable book will be of interest to public-sector policy framers and private-sector decisionmakers as well as researchers, educators, and students in the atmospheric sciences.
