Opinion: Recent developments and future directions in studying the mesosphere and lower thermosphere
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Published:2023-10-20
Issue:20
Volume:23
Page:13255-13282
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ISSN:1680-7324
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Container-title:Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Atmos. Chem. Phys.
Author:
Plane John M. C.ORCID, Gumbel Jörg, Kalogerakis Konstantinos S., Marsh Daniel R.ORCID, von Savigny Christian
Abstract
Abstract. This article begins with a review of important advances in the chemistry and related physics of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region of the atmosphere that have occurred over the past 2 decades, since the founding of Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. The emphasis here is on chemistry, but we also discuss recent findings on atmospheric dynamics and forcings to the extent that these are important for understanding MLT composition and chemistry. Topics that are covered include observations, with satellite, rocket and ground-based techniques; the variability and connectedness of the MLT on various length scales and timescales; airglow emissions; the cosmic dust input and meteoric metal layers; and noctilucent/polar mesospheric ice clouds. The paper then concludes with a discussion of important unanswered questions and likely future directions for the field over the next decade.
Funder
Natural Environment Research Council National Science Foundation National Aeronautics and Space Administration Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Publisher
Copernicus GmbH
Subject
Atmospheric Science
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