Modeling of Meteoric Influx and Studies of Atmospheric Ramifications

Radex, Inc. proposes to develop a comprehensive model of the influx of meteors and cosmic dust to the Earth's atmosphere which will be sufficiently general for use in visual and radar observations as well as for driving models of the ionospheric and neutral metal layers. The model will draw upon meteor observation data which will be analysed and consolidated into software for prediction of the total influx including the distribution of masses, velocities and angles of incidence for an observer at an arbitrary point on the Earth. The first objective of the Phase I effort is to develop and validate the model. The second objective is to use this model in conjunction with dynamical models previously developed by Radex to define and quantify the effects of showers on the background ionosphere, on communications systems due to ionospheric modifications and on background contamination of visible and UV systems due to solar scattering from the metals. This will lead us to Phase II in which the models will be generalized and effects found to be significant in Phase I will be incorporated into existing models of the ionosphere, communications and the Earth's radiance.