Organization:
Research Title: Solar Influences
Funding Level (millions of dollars):
| FY94 | 5.9 |
|---|---|
| FY95 | 6.1 |
| FY96 | 6.0 |
Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Component:
(a) Subcommittee: Global Change Research Subcommittee (100%)
NSTC Committee on Fundamental Science
(b) Environmental Issues: Natural Variability (50%); Greenhouse gases
(30%);
Exploratory (20%)
(c) Research Activity: System structure and function: Understanding (100%)
Organizational Component:
Directorates for Geosciences and Mathematical and
Physical Sciences
Division of Atmospheric Sciences
National Science Foundation,
4201
Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Point of Contact:
Richard A. Behnke
Phone: 703-306-1518
E-Mail: rbehnke@nsf.gov
Research Goals:
To observe and understand the mechanisms that give rise to variable radiative output
from
the sun, how particles and fields from the sun interact with Earth's magnetosphere
and
ionosphere, and the coupling, energetics and dynamics of upper atmospheric regions
from
the mesosphere to the exosphere. The ultimate goal is to develop a predictive capability
of
the effects of the solar terrestrial environment on the Earth and its climate.
Research Description:
The Solar Influences Program (SIP) at NSF has three elements: 1) studies of the
coupling, energetics and dynamics of atmospheric regions; 2) studies of the coupling
between the upper atmosphere and the near-Earth space environment; and 3) ground-based
observations, theory and analysis aimed at understanding the variable radiative outputs
of
the sun. The research is based on a synergistic approach involving observations,
data
interpretation, and theoretical analysis and modeling. Because of the immense size
of the
physical systems involved, many studies are carried out via coordinated experimental
campaigns using a vast array of state-of-the-art optical, radiowave and other types
of instruments. The Solar Influences Program has already led to improved understanding
and
models of the processes governing how energy is coupled through the atmosphere via
particle transport, chemistry, electrodynamics and winds. It has been discovered
that the
mesosphere and lower thermosphere are exceedingly sensitive to changes in greenhouse
gas concentrations in the lower atmosphere -- small variations in the greenhouse
gas
concentrations cause large changes in the temperature of these tenuous high-altitude
atmospheric regions. Another vital goal of SIP is to develop an understanding of
the solar
radiative component of global climate change. In fact, the role of solar variability
may have
Program Interfaces:
SIP activities are integral to NASA, NOAA and international civilian space efforts
such as
EOS, UARS, TIMED, TIROS, and ISTP. Similar connections exist with several DoD
satellite missions. DoD laboratories actively participating in SIP include Phillips
Lab and
the Naval Research Lab. In addition to several hundred university-based scientists,
SIP
involves scientists from research divisions of numerous industry and non-profit
corporations. In addition, SIP supports many cooperative efforts with Canadian,
European, Australian, Japanese, and Russian space science communities; for example,
SIP
has funded a project to establish an atmospheric observatory in the polar cap at
Resolute
Bay, Canada. The National Academy of Sciences has strongly endorsed SIP and has
recommended that appropriate elements be the US contributions to the international
Solar
Terrestrial Energy Program (STEP). Finally, SIP has a strong educational interface,
exemplified by the attendance of over 180 students at a recent 1994 Summer Workshop
in
Boulder, Colorado.
Program Milestones:
1995-97:: Develop observational capabilities to monitor the variability of the sun's
radiative outputs and the solar diameter and develop instrumentation for remote sensing
upper atmospheric phenomena; conduct international campaigns coordinated with satellite
measurements to study how solar wind energy is coupled through the magnetosphere
and
upper atmosphere. 1996-1998 Develop physical models for the mechanisms responsible
for solar variability and construct a general circulation model for the flow of energy
from
the solar wind through the magnetosphere into Earth's upper atmosphere; develop a
system
of models that account for the dynamic interactions between the ionosphere, thermosphere,
and lower atmosphere. Monitor the build-up of greenhouse gases through their effect
on
middle atmosphere temperature by establishing and maintaining a long-term data base.
Policy Payoffs:
Among the important contributions made in the study of solar influences is the recognition
that the upper atmosphere is a very sensitive indicator of global warming because
changes
observed in these tenuous regions are more dramatic. If such sensitive indicators
can be
adequately calibrated, upper atmosphere observations could become an important element
in formulating policies with regard to the build-up of greenhouse gases and the regulation
of chlorofluorocarbons. In addition, knowledge gained by studying the natural variability
of the sun is essential to establish a context by which the natural short-term changes
in the
atmosphere may be separated from anthropogenic changes.