This study continues the analysis of data obtained using the two-frequency, narrowband sodium temperature lidar at Colorado State University. The lidar has been operating for three years and 147 nights of observations have been made. The data will be used to study heating mechanisms, tidal effects, effects of solar cycle and volcanic eruption, and annual and semi-annual temperature variations in the mesopause. The study will help modelers fine-tune their model parameters and understand the physics behind the unique climatology in the mesopause region which impacts global change. The proposed effort also includes the continuation of regular observations to establish the long-term trends in atmospheric temperatures and to investigate tidal and gravity wave perturbations. These data will help to test model predictions of the anthropogenic effects on global warming and contribute to our understanding of the balance between dynamical and radiative forces in the middle atmosphere.
