Project: Infrasound waves in the ionosphere and thermosphere

Compared to planetary, tidal and gravity waves, effects of infrasound on the ionosphere and upper atmosphere have been studied less, and mainly for nuclear explosions monitoring purposes. The purpose of the project is to study effects of infrasound, excited by meteorological, other natural, and artificial sources, on the ionosphere using the improved Doppler system for measuring infrasound effects on the ionosphere and digisonde (located in the same area) supported by surface infrasound measurement system (installed in late 2006). The results of the project will complete studies of coupling of the lower atmosphere into the ionosphere and enable to estimate contribution of infrasound of different origin to energy balance of the thermosphere and ionosphere. The proposed analysis of infrasound effects gives us useful information for the HF radiowave ionospheric channel studies (EU project COST296 - we participate in). Proposed synergy of Doppler and digisonde measurements allows us to obtain more complex and reliable information on the state of the ionosphere.

Funded by: GA ČR. GA205/07/1367

Duration: 2007-2011

Investigator: Laštovička, J.