Improved estimates for neutral air temperatures at 90 km and 78°N using satellite and meteor radar data

• Published in: Radio science Vol. 45; no. 4
• Main Authors: Dyrland, M. E., Hall, C. M., Mulligan, F. J., Tsutsumi, M., Sigernes, F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-08-2010
• Subjects: Arctic; Atmospheric sciences; Density; Mesoclimatology; mesopause; Pressure; Radio; Remote sensing; Scientific apparatus & instruments; Temperature; temperatures
• ISSN: 0048-6604; 1944-799X
• DOI: 10.1029/2009RS004344

A technique for using satellite‐derived temperatures to calibrate initial estimates of 90 km temperatures measured by meteor wind radar is presented. Temperatures derived from the Nippon/Norway Svalbard Meteor Radar, situated on Svalbard at 78°N, 16°E, are calibrated using data from the Aura spacecraft's Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) experiment. The calibration was performed in a two‐step process: after an initial calibration of first‐guess temperatures, results were used to adjust the MLS values to reflect daily means rather than the 0200–1100 UT observation period of the satellite instrument; thereafter the calibration was repeated with the revised MLS temperatures. The resulting temperature time series represents a marked improvement on earlier results calibrated using hydroxyl emission and potassium/K‐Lidar observations, as the uncertainty is reduced from 17 to 7 K. These latest results represent a new step toward reliable and continual monitoring of upper mesosphere/lower thermosphere temperature.