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Ionospheric density enhancement during relativistic electron precipitation

Journal Article · · Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States)
The temporal evolution of the ionospheric density enhancement produced by a wide-spread REP has been observed with the Chatanika Radar. The REP was associated with a substorm particle energization event, and both the ionospheric absorption and density perturbation exhibited a approx.90 min periodicity associated with the particles' longitudinal drift. A 80 keV characteristic energy for the precipitating electrons is deduced from ground-based and satellite data. At the maximum of the event, electrons deposited approx.50 ergs/cm/sup 2/ sec in the ionosphere, producing a peak density of 5 x 10/sup 5/ cm/sup -3/ at 89 km altitude. At that time the radar observed densities greater than 10/sup 5/ cm/sup -1/ between 70 km and 110 km altitude and riometer absorption at 30 MHz was approx.12 db.
Research Organization:
Utah State Univ., Logan
OSTI ID:
6548411
Journal Information:
Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 7:11; ISSN GPRLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English