When the Atmosphere of the earth is disturbed and heated by energetic particle impact it responds much like a pond when a stone is dropped in it. Waves propagate from the source of the disturbance. These waves, identified as gravity waves, have the potential to impart energy and momentum to the atmosphere depending upon how they propagate. Currently, there are two ideas on how these waves propagate: the first is that the spectrum of waves are breaking and causing turbulence: the second is that the waves are confined to a guide of sorts (ducted) and travel undisturbed. The resolution of this issue is of current concern in atmospheric sciences. The research program here has as the objective the identification of the source regions and propagation direction of the waves that travel through the ionosphere (Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances). The tool that is used is an array of ionosondes arranged along a line stretching 23 degrees from the auroral zone and including two sets of closely spaced ionosondes used for triangulation. Progress to date indicates support for the ducted mechanism. The PI is a highly regarded scientist who has made innovative contributions in the use of ionosondes as a research tool. His past record qualifies him to continue this project.
