Skip to content
Natural Environment Research Council
Grants on the Web - Return to homepage Logo

Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2001/00620

Photoelectric emission from mesospheric ice particles.

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Professor JMC Plane, University of East Anglia, Environmental Sciences
Co-Investigator:
Professor S Meech, University of East Anglia, Chemistry
Science Area:
Atmospheric
Overall Classification:
Atmospheric
ENRIs:
Global Change
Science Topics:
Water In The Atmosphere
Upper Atmos Process & Geospace
Climate & Climate Change
Abstract:
Noctilucent clouds are thin layers of ice particles that occur around 82 km during summer at high latitudes. They were first reported in 1885, and have since appeared more frequently and at lower latitudes, leading to speculation that they are an early warning of climate change. Recently rocket-borne particle detectors have revealed, against all expectations, that the particles can be positively charged, indicated very efficient photoelectric emission. This phenomenon, which impacts on VHF radar detection, is unexplained, although meteoric metals (Na and Fe) are likely to play a role. In this project we will measure the work function, the photoelectric yield and the complex refractive index for pure and metal-doped ice surfaces, for input into a new comprehensive model of noctilucent clouds.
Period of Award:
15 Mar 2002 - 14 Oct 2004
Value:
£245,635
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NER/A/S/2001/00620
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Standard Grants Pre FEC
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Standard Grant

This grant award has a total value of £245,635  

top of page


FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - StaffTotal - T&STotal - Other CostsTotal - EquipmentTotal - Indirect Costs
£72,836£1,780£15,623£121,891£33,504

If you need further help, please read the user guide.