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This atmospheric research group is part of the Department of Physics & Astronomy and Centre for Atmospheric Research at the University of Canterbury.
We have a broad range of interests and are active in probing and modelling many aspects of the atmosphere from ground-level up to 120 km.
The two academics in the department are
Our research interests can broadly be summarized:
- the dynamics of the troposphere and stratosphere (Dr. Adrian McDonald)
- the structure and dynamics of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere using meteor radar techniques (Professor Jack Baggaley)
- the orbital characteristics of meteors and planetary astronomy (Professor Jack Baggaley, Dr David Galligan)
- climate modelling (Dr. Adrian McDonald and Dr Steve George)
- Radio wave propagation and scattering in the atmosphere (Dr. Adrian McDonald)
- remote sensing and in-situ sampling of atmospheric aerosol and the role of aerosol in climate.
Dr Bob Bennett and
Dr Grahame Fraser are senior fellows attached to this group whose interests revolve around radar physics and the use of radars in various problems relating to the dynamics
of the atmosphere.
To support these research interests we have radar facilities at Birdlings Flat (near Christchurch) and Scott Base (Antarctica). Graeme Plank manages the Birdlings Flat facility and coordinates our Antarctic research programme. Other research includes aerosol measurement and computer modelling.