The Response of the Middle Atmosphere to Solar and Dynamical Forcing. The region of the atmosphere and ionosphere between 50 and 100 km is difficult to measure directly. We will use a unique array of instruments deployed across Australia to study how this region responds to waves generated in the lower atmosphere and to changes in electromagnetic energy from the sun and particle precipitation from the magnetosphere. Outcomes will help our understanding of how the region is responding to rising l ....The Response of the Middle Atmosphere to Solar and Dynamical Forcing. The region of the atmosphere and ionosphere between 50 and 100 km is difficult to measure directly. We will use a unique array of instruments deployed across Australia to study how this region responds to waves generated in the lower atmosphere and to changes in electromagnetic energy from the sun and particle precipitation from the magnetosphere. Outcomes will help our understanding of how the region is responding to rising levels of greenhouse gas concentrations. Cooling effects are already apparent and our research will look for additional evidence of change.Read moreRead less
Structural transitions in turbulent fluids and plasma through self-organization. Studies into structural transitions in turbulent systems will greatly benefit Australia through its contributions to the science of complex systems, in the areas of self-organization and turbulence control. Applications range from understanding the formation of the Earth's atmospheric spectrum to generation of transport barriers in magnetically confined plasma, as well as development of novel methods of turbulence c ....Structural transitions in turbulent fluids and plasma through self-organization. Studies into structural transitions in turbulent systems will greatly benefit Australia through its contributions to the science of complex systems, in the areas of self-organization and turbulence control. Applications range from understanding the formation of the Earth's atmospheric spectrum to generation of transport barriers in magnetically confined plasma, as well as development of novel methods of turbulence control in engineering. Recent discoveries by the authors open a window of opportunity for a breakthrough in this fundamental field of modern science. The project is based on several national and international collaborations. Australian postgraduate and research training is an integral part of the project.Read moreRead less
The aeronomy of the atmosphere between 50 and 110 km. Signals of climate change in the 50 to 110 km height region of the atmosphere are becoming more evident. This region shields the surface from extreme UV radiation and so understanding any changes in the region is important for life. We will improve our understanding of the region and look for additional evidence of changes. We will also contribute to improvements in numerical weather prediction models.
Electrodynamics of the High Latitude Ionosphere. Electrical power (~10^12 W on average), incident over the high latitude ionospheres drives auroral displays, causes magnetic disturbances and other space weather effects over the globe, including Australia. This project uses Iridium, a US$6 billion, commercial satellite constellation, to study energy deposition into the ionosphere from near-Earth space. The Iridium data is not public domain. This project provides data access, representing a signif ....Electrodynamics of the High Latitude Ionosphere. Electrical power (~10^12 W on average), incident over the high latitude ionospheres drives auroral displays, causes magnetic disturbances and other space weather effects over the globe, including Australia. This project uses Iridium, a US$6 billion, commercial satellite constellation, to study energy deposition into the ionosphere from near-Earth space. The Iridium data is not public domain. This project provides data access, representing a significant cost-effective way for Australia to participate in observational space science. Australian postgraduate training is an integral part of the project, providing international level access and interpretation of scientific satellite and over the horizon radar network data.Read moreRead less