Spatial relationship of 1-meter equatorial spread-F irregularities and depletions in total electron content

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/GL006i011p00873· OSTI ID:5730183

Tsunoda, R T; Towle, D M

An experiment was conducted at Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands to investigate the spatial relationship of 1-m equatorial spread-F irregularities to total electron content (TEC) depletions. A high-power radar was operated (1) in a backscatter scan mode to spatially map the distribution of 1-m irregularities, and (2) in a dual-frequency, satellite-track mode to obtain the longitudinal TEC variations. We show that radar backscatter ''plumes'' found in the disturbed, nighttime equatorial ionosphere are longitudinally coincident with TEC depletions. We suggest that the TEC depletions are probably due to the presence of plasma ''bubbles'' in the equatorial F layer.

• Research Organization: SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025
• OSTI ID: 5730183
• Journal Information: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 6:11; ISSN GPRLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BACKSCATTERING
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRON DENSITY
F REGION
INSTABILITY
IONOSPHERE
IONOSPHERIC STORMS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
PLASMA INSTABILITY
RADAR
RANGE FINDERS
SCATTERING
SPREAD F