Extending DTRA's Atmospheric Transport and Diffusion Modeling Capabilities to the Upper Atmosphere

Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc. proposes to develop a prototype threat-reduction system for the dispersion of a weapons-of-mass destruction warhead in the upper atmosphere. Our system will extend current DTRA atmospheric transport and dispersion capabilities into the 20-120 km altitude region. This will be accomplished using a combination of a zonally-averaged transport model of the stratosphere and mesosphere and diagnostics of stratosphere-troposphere exchange based on global numerical weather prediction model fields. Phase-1 effort will focus on assembling the components of the system, testing them under selected scenarios, and mapping out approaches for future enhancements aimed at building a comprehensive system.