On the utilization of ionosonde data to analyze the latitudinal penetration of ionospheric storm effects
Upper atmosphere science is placing increased emphasis on global coupling between the magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere systems, particularly with regard to the penetration of dynamic, chemical, and electrodynamic effects from high to low latitudes during magnetically disturbed periods. An emerging potential exists for latitudinal and longitudinal chains of ionosondes to contribute uniquely to this thrust in ways complementary to the capabilities and shortcomings of other groundbased sensors and satellites. Here we illustrate a methodology whereby the fullest potential of such ionosonde data can be realized. Data from a chain of stations close to the -165/sup 0/ magnetic meridian and separated by about 5/sup 0/ in magnetic latitude are used to study the relationships between magnetic activity, hmF2, foF2, and inferred meridional winds during 17--28 April, 1979. Hourly values are fit in latitude using Legendre polynomials, and variations from quiet-time values are displayed in latitude-U.T. coordinates using a color graphics method which provides an illuminating illustration of the penetration of ionospheric disturbances in latitude and their dependence on Kp, storm time, and local time. Observed effects are interpreted in terms of plausible electric field, neutral wind, and neutral composition changes during the storm period. For instance, net depletions in foF2 occur over the entire disturbed interval down to about 25/sup 0/--30/sup 0/ latitude, apparently due to such increased N/sub 2/ densities that the resulting enhanced plasma loss rates overcompensate and ''positive'' storm effects whereby southward winds elevate the F-layer peak to altitudes of reduced chemical loss.
- Research Organization:
- Center for Space Physics and Department of Electrical, Computer and Systems Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA
- OSTI ID:
- 5126830
- Journal Information:
- Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States), Vol. 15:3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
GENERAL PHYSICS
IONOSPHERE
MAGNETIC STORMS
THERMOSPHERE
ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION
ELECTRIC FIELDS
IONOSONDES
LATITUDE EFFECT
NITROGEN
WIND
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATIONS
NONMETALS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
RADIO EQUIPMENT
VARIATIONS
640201* - Atmospheric Physics- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena