Nocturnal thermal disequilibrium of the F/sub 2/ region ionosphere at middle latitudes

Journal Article · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1976 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA081i019p03447· OSTI ID:7266901

Mazaudier, C; Bauer, P

Incoherent scatter measurements performed above St. Santin (44degree3'N,2degreeE) in the F/sub 2/ region over the period 1971--1972 have revealed the existence of a small systematic temperature difference (10--20 K) between the electrons and the ions at night, the former being the colder. However small, this effect cannot be accounted for by statistical or systematical errors. This temperature difference reflects the tendency of the electron gas to cool faster than the ion and neutral gases and the absence of any F/sub 2/ region electron heat source (such as the downward flow of energy from the protonosphere) at night. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Centre National d'Etudes de Telecommunications, Issy les Moulineaux, France
• OSTI ID: 7266901
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 81:19; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
DAILY VARIATIONS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
EQUILIBRIUM
F REGION
F2 LAYER
INCOHERENT SCATTERING
ION TEMPERATURE
IONOSPHERE
SCATTERING
THERMAL EQUILIBRIUM
VARIATIONS