VHF doppler radar observations of the African equatorial electrojet

Journal Article · Tue Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1976 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA081i016p02786· OSTI ID:7344808

Carter, D A; Balsley, B B; Ecklund, W L

Two portable 50-MHz Doppler radar systems on opposite sides of the magnetic dip equator examined 3-m irregularities in the African equatorial electrojet for 3 days centered on the June 30, 1973, solar eclipse. The days were magnetically disturbed with daily Kp indices of 36+, 32+, and 27-. Fluctuations in the irregularity phase velocities at the two latitudes were in general well correlated, with the higher velocities being observed at the equatorward station. Variations in the latitudinal profile of the electrojet were indicated by daily in the ratio of the velocities at the two latitudes. Several daytime reversals of the phase velocity were observed, thus indicating the occasional presence of an electric field and an electron density gradient opposite their normal daytime directions. Of particular interest were the simultaneous appearances of two oppositely directed electrojet current layers. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Aeronomy Laboratory, NOAA Environmental Research Laboratories, Boulder, Colorado 80302
• OSTI ID: 7344808
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 81:16; 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
CURRENTS
E REGION
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTROJETS
EQUATOR
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATIONS
INSTABILITY
IONOSPHERE
LATITUDE EFFECT
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PLASMA INSTABILITY
RADAR
RANGE FINDERS
STRUCTURAL MODELS
VARIATIONS