Observations of lower ionospheric wind by the Kyoto Meteor Radar

Abstract

This paper describes the results of meteor radar observations which have been carried out at Kyoto University since December 1977. The radar, a coherent pulse Doppler radar with transmitting frequency of 31.57 MHz and nominal peak power of 10 kW, measures wind fields at meteor heights of 80–110 km. The solar semidiurnal tide generally dominates the wind oscillations at these heights. The less regular diurnal tide has comparable magnitude. The variability of the tidal structure suggests the possibility of interaction between respective waves or winds, particularly the influence of disturbed conditions in the lower atmosphere. Other components of winds as mean flow or a quasi 2‐day planetary wave have also been observed. The combination of meteor wind radar and other observational techniques will further the understanding of the global dynamics of atmospheric waves.