Synthetic Remote Sensing and Modeling Approaches for Studying Atmospheric Gravity Waves Across the Mesosphere-Lower-Thermosphere Region

Atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) are pivotal in shaping the dynamics of the Earth's middle atmosphere, affecting weather and climate across the mesosphere-lower-thermosphere (MLT) region. These waves manifest through fluctuations in measurable quantities such as photon volume emissions rates and electron densities, which can be detected via remote sensing instruments. Here we summarize methodologies that utilize both space-based and ground-based synthetic imaging instruments to characterize AGWs in simulated data.
Firstly we demonstrate the capabilities of an imaging instrument situated on a LEO payload such as the International Space Station (ISS) to simulate swaths of cross-track images of modeled AGWs in the airglow to provide insight into their regional and global impacts on the ionosphere, thermosphere, and mesosphere (ITM). We simulate observables that are equivalent to those measured by the Advanced Mesosphere Temperature Mapper (AMTM) (Pautet et. al, AO, 2014) and others (e.g., Sakanoi et al., 2011; Gelinas and Hecht, 2022); the AMTM obtains high-resolution measurements of OH (3,1) emissions, enabling precise temperature derivations. Data from these imaging instruments can be compared with simulations results and where we use the Model for Acoustic-Gravity wave Interactions and Coupling (MAGIC) model (e.g., Snively, GRL, 2013; Zettergren and Snively, JGR, 2015) that simulates observable AGW impacts such as variations in winds, temperature, and emission rates. The integration of these volumetric data allows for the generation of brightness-weighted temperature (BWT) swaths, facilitating direct comparisons with real atmospheric data. Secondly, we emphasize the utility of diverse instrumentation, including ground-based tools, to achieve detailed local assessments of AGWs. These instruments, along with airborne and orbiting payloads, strive to reveal the underlying wave dynamical processes within the MLT. By using both local and extensive measurements from platforms like the ISS, we can better understand the influence of AGWs on the broader atmospheric context, enhancing predictions and models related to atmospheric dynamics. By integrating observations from multiple vantage points and employing robust atmospheric models, we can improve our understanding of AGWs' propagation, sources, and effects. This comprehensive approach not only enriches our grasp of atmospheric dynamics but also bolsters the accuracy of weather and climate predictions in the MLT region.