High resolution observations of HF-induced plasma waves in the ionosphere

Journal Article · Mon Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/GL017i011p01893· OSTI ID:5391940

Djuth, F T; Elder, J H ^[1]; Sulzer, M P ^[2]

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1. Aerospace Corp., Los Angeles, CA (USA)
2. 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), Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States) Vol. 17:11; ISSN GPRLA; ISSN 0094-8276
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ALTITUDE
BACKSCATTERING
COLD PLASMA
DATA ANALYSIS
DETECTION
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
F REGION
IONOSPHERE
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
PLASMA
PLASMA WAVES
RADAR
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
RANGE FINDERS
REFLECTION
RESOLUTION
SCATTERING