Ionospheric drifts and E-region irregularities

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1963 · Planetary and Space Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0032-0633(63)90170-3· OSTI ID:4659150

Peddington, J. H.

A physical interpretation is attempted for the components of electrodynamic drift of ionization in a lightly ionized gas. Only one component, representing the flux of neutral ionization appears capable of leading to the formation of irregularities in the electron density. A satisfactory theory of equatorial sporadic E must depend directly on the upward drift of ionization associated with the S_q dynamo. Two possible effects are discussed: an upward positive gradient of neutral atoms, caused by air turbulence and an irregular distribution of negative heavy ions. In each case strong convergence of electrons may result. A theory of auroral-zone sporadic E is briefly restated. It depends on the DS dynamo that includes large scale shear motions in the magnetosphere, driven by the solar wind. These shear motions give rise to divergent electric fields in the ionosphere that cause convergence of neutral ionization in the E-region. These in turn react on the magnetosphere to cause ion precipitation that adds a further contribution to sporadic E. Data for temperate-zone sporadic E strongly favor local winds. The presence of wind shear may not be necessary. The theory of turbulence suggests that the largest wind cells should provide the highest wind speeds and so the largest dynamo fields and drift velocities. Such large cells would tend to be free of shear throughout Eregion. They may cause convergence of ionization at various levels according to wind direction. A possible connection between E_s and thunderstorms may be explained in terms of winds extending into the E-region.

• Research Organization: CSIRO, Sydney
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-17-032872
• OSTI ID: 4659150
• Journal Information: Planetary and Space Science, Journal Name: Planetary and Space Science Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 11; ISSN 0032-0633
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
AIR
DISTRIBUTION
E-LAYER
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRODYNAMICS
ELECTRONS
GASES
GEOPHYSICS
IONIZATION
IONOSPHERE
IONS
LEVELS
METEOROLOGY
MOTION
PLASMA
RADIATION BELTS
SUN
TEMPERATURE
TURBULENCE
VELOCITY
WIND