Polar cap F layer patches: structure and dynamics

Journal Article · Sat Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1986 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA091iA11p12121· OSTI ID:6984195

Weber, E J; Klobuchar, J A; Buchau, J; Carlson, Jr, H C; Livingston, R C; De La Beaujardiere, O; McCready, M; Moore, J G; Bishop, G J

Coordinated measurements of F region plasma patches were conducted on February 3/4, 1984, from Thule and Sondrestrom, Greenland. Optical, ionosonde, amplitude scintillation, total electron content (TEC), and incoherent scatter radar measurements were combined to reveal several new aspects of the structure and transport of these localized regions of enhanced F region ionization. For the first time these patches were directly tracked flowing in the antisunward direction over distances of 3000 km from the center of the polar cap to the poleward edge of the auroral oval. Quantitative measurements of TEC show increases of 10--15 TEC units within the patches, above a background polar cap value of 5 TEC units. Amplitude scintillation measurements show the presence of ionospheric irregularities through the entire patch, with a weak indication of stronger scintillation on the trailing (or E x B unstable) edge.

• Research Organization: Ionospheric Physics Division, Air Force Geophysics Laboratory, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts
• OSTI ID: 6984195
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Vol. 91:A11
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
F REGION
IONIZATION
POLAR-CAP AURORAE
AURORAL OVAL
DATA ANALYSIS
ELECTRON DENSITY
PLASMA
SCINTILLATIONS
AURORAE
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
IONOSPHERE
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
640201* - Atmospheric Physics- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena