High resolution observations of HF-induced plasma waves in the ionosphere
- Aerospace Corp., Los Angeles, CA (USA)
- Arecibo Observatory (Puerto Rico)
Langmuir oscillations excited by a powerful, high-frequency (HF) radio wave reflecting in the F-region have been studied in detail with the 430 MHz radar at Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico. Exceptionally good altitude and temporal resolution made it possible to closely examine transient plasma phenomena and allowed very weak plasma features to be seen in the ionosphere. The observations reveal an unexpected richness of complex plasma structure. Langmuir turbulence detected with the 430 MHz radar often occupies an extended altitude interval, particularly during the plasma line overshoot and at late times following HF turn-on. In the late time plasma environment, multiple layers of Langmuir turbulence are often observed. In general, important distinctions can be made between the excitation of Langmuir oscillations in a cold background ionosphere and in an ionosphere preconditioned by prior HF transmissions. The greatest differences are evident in the altitude and range extent of the backscatter measured immediately after HF turn-on.
- OSTI ID:
- 5391940
- Journal Information:
- Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States), Vol. 17:11; ISSN 0094-8276
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
GENERAL PHYSICS
IONOSPHERE
PLASMA WAVES
ALTITUDE
BACKSCATTERING
COLD PLASMA
DATA ANALYSIS
DETECTION
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
F REGION
RADAR
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
REFLECTION
RESOLUTION
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
PLASMA
RADIATIONS
RANGE FINDERS
SCATTERING
640201* - Atmospheric Physics- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena