The PI proposes to continue coordinated studies of low latitude and equatorial thermospheric wind and plasma drifts using Fabry-Perot interferometer and incoherent scatter radar observations from Peru and Puerto Rico. The main goal of this project is the detailed understanding of equatorial and low latitude ionosphere-thermosphere coupling. The study of equatorial plasma drift and neutral winds has been carried out in collaboration with M. A. Biondi and J. W. Meriwether. The PI proposes to expand the low latitudes studies using extensive radar and optical measurements from the Arecibo Observatory. These studies will complement the PI's studies of the low latitude electrodynamics using incoherent scatter radar observations. The PI will continue to have the scientific support (at no cost) of M. A. Biondi, and also of J. W. Meriwether. The PI will also cooperate closely with the members of the MISETA project. The main topics of interest include the seasonal , solar and magnetic activity dependencies of the thermospheric winds, the relationship between the neutral winds and the plasma drifts as a function of latitude, the effects of the ionospheric disturbance dynamo, and the validation of thermospheric circulation models. The PI proposes to continue to analyze both the radar and optical data at Utah State University and to make the measurements available to the CAT (Coordinated Analysis of the Thermosphere) and for other coordinated CEDAR projects, and also to the NCAR database.
