The PIs will combine numerical and theoretical studies of turbulence generation and scalar spectra and co-spectra of ion, electron and aerosol constituents caused by turbulence motions. This should provide a theoretical understanding of small-scale structure and its connection to radar backscatter intensities and characteristics in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). The PI plans to address evidence for high Schmidt numbers at VHF and UHF frequencies, different backscatter intensities and characteristics at different frequencies, and influences of turbulence on pre-existing gradients of electrons, ions, and aerosols under polar summer mesopause and more general MLT conditions.
