Effects of an atmospheric gravity wave on the midlatitude ionospheric F layer
- Univ. of Sheffield (United Kingdom)
- Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)
A modeling study of the atmospheric response to a single short burst of enhanced ion convection at high latitudes, undertaken using the Sheffield/University College London/Space Environment Laboratory coupled ionosphere/thermosphere model, has revealed a large-scale atmospheric gravity wave (AGW) moving equatorward from a source in the dawn sector auroral zone. The wave propagates to midlatitude, perturbing the ionosphere and creating a traveling ionospheric disturbance. Analysis of the interaction between the thermosphere and ionosphere during the passage of the AGW at midlatitudes is undertaken and reveals a complex height-dependent response. At lower altitudes the field-aligned velocity of the ions follows closely the field-aligned wind. Above the F peak, diffusion processes become important and the field-aligned ion velocity shows fluctuations which exceded those in the wind. Changes in N{sub m}F{sub 2} and h{sub m} F{sub 2}, during the interaction, are due to redistribution of plasma alone with changes in production and loss insignificant. As the F layer is lifted by the positive surge in the gravity wave, N{sub m}F{sub 2} decreases, due to a divergence in the ion flux, itself caused by the combination of a divergent neutral wind and an increase in the effects of diffusion with altitude. The slab thickness also increases. Subsequently, the opposite happens as h{sub m}F{sub 2} falls below its equilibrium value. 14 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 146556
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 98, Issue A11; Other Information: PBD: 1 Nov 1993
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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