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Title: Effects of an atmospheric gravity wave on the midlatitude ionospheric F layer

Abstract

A modeling study of the atmospheric response to a single short burst of enhanced ion convection at high latitudes, undertaken using the Sheffield/University College London/Space Environment Laboratory coupled ionosphere/thermosphere model, has revealed a large-scale atmospheric gravity wave (AGW) moving equatorward from a source in the dawn sector auroral zone. The wave propagates to midlatitude, perturbing the ionosphere and creating a traveling ionospheric disturbance. Analysis of the interaction between the thermosphere and ionosphere during the passage of the AGW at midlatitudes is undertaken and reveals a complex height-dependent response. At lower altitudes the field-aligned velocity of the ions follows closely the field-aligned wind. Above the F peak, diffusion processes become important and the field-aligned ion velocity shows fluctuations which exceded those in the wind. Changes in N{sub m}F{sub 2} and h{sub m} F{sub 2}, during the interaction, are due to redistribution of plasma alone with changes in production and loss insignificant. As the F layer is lifted by the positive surge in the gravity wave, N{sub m}F{sub 2} decreases, due to a divergence in the ion flux, itself caused by the combination of a divergent neutral wind and an increase in the effects of diffusion with altitude. The slab thickness alsomore » increases. Subsequently, the opposite happens as h{sub m}F{sub 2} falls below its equilibrium value. 14 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.« less

Authors:
; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Sheffield (United Kingdom)
  2. Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)
Publication Date:
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
146556
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
Journal of Geophysical Research
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 98; Journal Issue: A11; Other Information: PBD: 1 Nov 1993
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
66 PHYSICS; EARTH ATMOSPHERE; GRAVITY WAVES; F REGION; DISTURBANCES; COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION

Citation Formats

Millward, G H, Moffett, R J, Quegan, S, Fuller-Rowell, T J, and Nationa Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Space Environment Lab., Boulder, CO. Effects of an atmospheric gravity wave on the midlatitude ionospheric F layer. United States: N. p., 1993. Web. doi:10.1029/93JA02093.
Millward, G H, Moffett, R J, Quegan, S, Fuller-Rowell, T J, & Nationa Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Space Environment Lab., Boulder, CO. Effects of an atmospheric gravity wave on the midlatitude ionospheric F layer. United States. https://doi.org/10.1029/93JA02093
Millward, G H, Moffett, R J, Quegan, S, Fuller-Rowell, T J, and Nationa Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Space Environment Lab., Boulder, CO. 1993. "Effects of an atmospheric gravity wave on the midlatitude ionospheric F layer". United States. https://doi.org/10.1029/93JA02093.
@article{osti_146556,
title = {Effects of an atmospheric gravity wave on the midlatitude ionospheric F layer},
author = {Millward, G H and Moffett, R J and Quegan, S and Fuller-Rowell, T J and Nationa Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Space Environment Lab., Boulder, CO},
abstractNote = {A modeling study of the atmospheric response to a single short burst of enhanced ion convection at high latitudes, undertaken using the Sheffield/University College London/Space Environment Laboratory coupled ionosphere/thermosphere model, has revealed a large-scale atmospheric gravity wave (AGW) moving equatorward from a source in the dawn sector auroral zone. The wave propagates to midlatitude, perturbing the ionosphere and creating a traveling ionospheric disturbance. Analysis of the interaction between the thermosphere and ionosphere during the passage of the AGW at midlatitudes is undertaken and reveals a complex height-dependent response. At lower altitudes the field-aligned velocity of the ions follows closely the field-aligned wind. Above the F peak, diffusion processes become important and the field-aligned ion velocity shows fluctuations which exceded those in the wind. Changes in N{sub m}F{sub 2} and h{sub m} F{sub 2}, during the interaction, are due to redistribution of plasma alone with changes in production and loss insignificant. As the F layer is lifted by the positive surge in the gravity wave, N{sub m}F{sub 2} decreases, due to a divergence in the ion flux, itself caused by the combination of a divergent neutral wind and an increase in the effects of diffusion with altitude. The slab thickness also increases. Subsequently, the opposite happens as h{sub m}F{sub 2} falls below its equilibrium value. 14 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.},
doi = {10.1029/93JA02093},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/146556}, journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research},
number = A11,
volume = 98,
place = {United States},
year = {Mon Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1993},
month = {Mon Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1993}
}