Antarctic-Arctic contrasts - key pointers to mesospheric dynamics and energetics

In the mesosphere and lower thermosphere the contrasts between the Antarctic and Arctic regarding both the energy inputs and the consequent dynamics, energetics and chemistry mean that comparative polar observations can often provide the key to determining quantifiable links between cause and effect. Yet, due to logistical constraints, basic measurements of the characteristics of the Antarctic mesosphere and lower thermosphere have tended to lag behind those in the Arctic by many years. The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is embarking upon a core programme of research into the atmosphere between 60 and 150 km altitude which includes deployment of ground-based instrumentation to enhance that already in operation at both Halley (76°S, 27°W) and Rothera (68°S, 68°W) research stations and also on the Antarctic Plateau. This will build upon the success of the rocket-borne falling-sphere observations of mesopause temperatures made, in a collaborative venture between the British Antarctic Survey and the University of Bonn, in 1998 at Rothera and will provide scientific instrumentation able to observationally complement any future rocket programmes in the Antarctic.