NWRA Research Areas Sun and Heliosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Stratosphere Troposphere Ocean Cryosphere Fluid Dynamics Medical Imaging Instruments and Software Electromagnetic Wave Propagation

Example Science Endeavors

• Solar Physics (1.5 x 10⁸ KM up)
• Observation and model studies of the Sun's interior (helioseismology) - far-side imaging.
• Observation and model studies of solar magnetic fields, specializing in active regions and solar flares/Coronal Mass Ejections.
• Ionosphere (100 KM up)
• Observation and model studies on the effect of solar activity on the ionosphere.
• Modeling of electron density distribution & associated radio wave propagation effects.
• Mesosphere & Stratosphere (10-100 KM up)
• Theoretical, model, and ovservation studies of planetary and gravity waves and the effects on climate.
• Methods for estimating winds and temperatures remotely (satellite retrieval methods).
• Troposphere (mostly breathable stuff)
• Observational studies of the vertical coupling with Stratosphere/Mesosphere planetary waves: climate and weather prediction.
• Observational studies of tropical planetary waves with moisture.
• Ocean-Atmosphere Boundary Layer
• Remote sensing of ocean surface winds, biological activity, surface-gravity waves.
• Sea Ice
• Development of sea-ice dynamic models for climate studies and for forecasting.
• Oceanography
• Observation studies in nearshore waves, currents, and morphodynamics.
• Observation and model studies of internal waves and turbulence.
• Ocean Bottom
• Hot Thermal Vents: Observational studies of mass and energy transport into and out of the crust.
• Classical fluid dynamics
• Laboratory, modeling, and observational studies of turbulence and vortices.
• Applications of Geophysical Signal Processing
• Inverse methods applied to ECG signals for the purpose of identifying certain rhythmic disorders.