ALOMAR: atmospheric science using lidars, radars and ground based instruments

Abstract

On top of the 379 m high Ramnan mountain on the island of Andøya (69°30′N, 16°01′E) in Northern Norway, the ALOMAR (The Arctic Lidar Observatory for Middle Atmospheric Research) will soon be in operation. Through measurements of different atmospheric parameters, ALOMAR will provide information on the dynamics of the middle and upper atmosphere using ground-based instrumentation. Routine measurements, including ozone observations, can be carried out more efficiently than currently possible. The observatory is currently using three LIDAR instruments, one radar and several ground-based instruments to measure density, temperature, wind profiles and aerosol densities over a height range of approximately 10 to 100 km. ALOMAR will provide scientists worldwide with the opportunity for year-round, in-depth studies of the polar middle atmosphere, concentrating on physics, chemistry and meteorology. The observatory will offer unique research opportunities, and its activities can be correlated using the Andøya Rocket Range (ARR), who operate the facility, and with other important research facilities such as the EISCAT radar, and the University of Tromsø observatories which are located nearby. There are many opportunities for additional cooperative scientific experiments using ground-based measurements and instruments carried by aircraft, balloons and sounding rockets.