Lidar Network for Temperature and Wind Measurements in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere Region

• Published in: Space weather 2024-10, Vol.22 (10), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Yang, Y., Li, F., Cheng, X., Yang, G., Lyu, D., Lin, X., Liu, L., Fang, X., Zheng, J., Du, L., Wang, W., Ren, L., Wang, J., Liang, J., Ji, K., Xu, L., Chen, Z., Zheng, H., Wang, X., Wang, Y., Jiao, J., Xue, X., Xia, Y., Li, Y., Lin, Z., Chen, L., Xu, J., Li, G., Hu, L., Gong, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chinese Meridional Project; mesosphere and lower thermosphere; sodium lidar network; temperature; wind and sodium density measurement
• ISSN: 1542-7390; 1542-7390
• DOI: 10.1029/2024SW003981

A sodium lidar (light detection and range) network for the Earth's mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) temperature, wind and sodium density measurements is designed and constructed in the second phase of the Chinese Meridional Project. Five narrowband sodium lidar systems are deployed across various regions in China, designed and developed based on similar principles and structures. They adhere to uniform data processing standards and operate under the same observational protocols. This allows them to form a network of lidar systems capable of detecting temperature and wind fields in the MLT. The preliminary observation results of the lidar near Tibetan plateau is demonstrated in this paper. This lidar network offers horizontal perspectives on large scale that a single‐station lidar system can't provide. Its future observations are expected to advance the understanding of atmospheric waves by studying wave propagation, chemical‐dynamical coupling processes and the horizonal structure of in the MLT region. Plain Language Summary This paper describes a new lidar (light detection and range) network to observe the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region, which is the coldest area in the earth. Five narrow band sodium lidars in this network measure the temperature, wind and sodium density. They adhere to uniform data processing standards and follow the same observational protocols, which define the temporal and range resolution of lidar data, as well as the world geodetic system. The preliminary results for wind, temperature and sodium density are obtained. The lidar network will provide effective means for MLT research. Key Points Narrowband sodium lidar based on pulsed seeder laser is constructed to measure wind and temperature in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere region Five lidars distributed in the region of China from 19.5°N to 53.5°N, and from 87.2°E to 122.4°E form a lidar network Preliminary observation results are demonstrated the ability and potential of the lidar network to conduct more scientific research