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Two-Dimensional Horizontal Correlation Functions in the MLT Region Estimated Using Multistatic Specular Meteor Radar Observations
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  • Facundo Poblet,
  • Jorge Chau,
  • Juan Conte,
  • Victor Avsarkisov,
  • Harikrishnan charuvil Asokan,
  • Juha Vierinen
Facundo Poblet
Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics

Corresponding Author:facundopoblet@gmail.com

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Jorge Chau
Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics
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Juan Conte
Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics
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Victor Avsarkisov
Leibniz Institute for Atmospheric Physics
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Harikrishnan charuvil Asokan
Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics
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Juha Vierinen
University of Tromsø
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Abstract

The study of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) dynamics presents great challenges. One of them is trying to find a dominant theory that explains mesoscales variations. Recently, Vierinen et al. (2019) introduced the Wind field Correlation Function Inversion (WCFI) technique that estimates spatial correlation functions (among other products) of the wind velocity field in the MLT from multistatic specular meteor radar observations. The correlations can be determined for lags in two dimensions (East-West and North-South directions), from which the frequently used hypothesis of horizontal isotropy on correlation functions of the fluctuating wind can be examined. Moreover, using the two dimensional correlation functions of the fluctuating wind, we investigate the two-point correlations of vertical vorticity (Qzz) and horizontal divergence (P) (Lindborg, 2007). Assuming that the velocity field is statistically homogeneous in horizontal planes of certain thickness, these functions can be expanded to get similar, compact forms. Qzz and P are of great significance since they can provide information on the relative importance of stratified turbulence and internal gravity waves to explain the mesoscale dynamics in the middle atmosphere.