AbstractUnderstanding the physics of ice particles at the cold summertime mesopause (85 km altitude) and their atmospheric environment represent a challenge to both experimentalists and theorists. This review emphasizes recent advances, both experimental and theoretical, in understanding the unique properties of this region of the atmosphere. Evidence is presented for mean cloud particle sizes to be less than 100 nm in effective radius. Charging of cloud particles by collisional attachment of electrons may cause local electron depletions. However this process appears to explain only partly the electron ‘bite-out’ phenomenon. Nor does it appear to explain all aspects of polar mesospheric summertime radar echoes (PMSE). It is possible that the particles acquire a large positive charge as a result of the photoelectric effect. However special ad hoc coatings of the ice surfaces by low-work function metals are needed. No satisfactory theory yet exists for PMSE. Observations of mesospheric phenomena over decadal time spans reveal significant cyclical and secular changes. In particular, changes in noctilucent cloud occurrence frequency, brightness and altitude offer important clues with regard to long-term compositional changes of the middle atmosphere.


    Zugriff

    Zugriff prüfen

    Verfügbarkeit in meiner Bibliothek prüfen

    Bestellung bei Subito €


    Exportieren, teilen und zitieren



    Titel :

    Recent developments in the study of mesospheric clouds


    Beteiligte:
    Thomas, G.E. (Autor:in)

    Erschienen in:

    Advances in Space Research ; 14 , 9 ; 101-112


    Erscheinungsdatum :

    01.01.1994


    Format / Umfang :

    12 pages




    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)


    Format :

    Elektronische Ressource


    Sprache :

    Englisch



    Recent Developments in the Study of Mesospheric Clouds

    Thomas, G. E. / International Council of Scientific Unions; Committee on Space Research | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994



    Effect of radio wave heating on polar mesospheric clouds

    Dimant, Y. S. / Milikh, G. M. / International Council of Scientific Unions | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2004



    Ultraviolet Imaging and Spectrographic Imaging of Polar Mesospheric Clouds

    Carbary, J. F. / Morrison, D. / Romick, G. J. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003