scholarly journals A comparison of F-region ion velocity observations from the EISCAT Svalbard and VHF radars with irregularity drift velocity measurements from the CUTLASS Finland HF radar

2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 589-594
Author(s):  
J. A. Davies ◽  
T. K. Yeoman ◽  
M. Lester ◽  
S. E. Milan
Keyword(s):  
Drift Velocity ◽  
Hf Radar ◽  
Velocity Measurements ◽  
F Region ◽  
Ion Velocity

scholarly journals A first comparison of irregularity and ion drift velocity measurements in the E-region

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 2375-2389 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Makarevich ◽  
F. Honary ◽  
V. S. C. Howells ◽  
A. V. Koustov ◽  
S. E. Milan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drift Velocity ◽  
Hf Radar ◽  
Electron Velocity ◽  
Velocity Measurements ◽  
Vhf Radar ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Ion Drift ◽  
E Region ◽  
Ion Velocity ◽  
Large Flow

Abstract. E-region irregularity velocity measurements at large flow angles with the STARE Finland coherent VHF radar are considered in context of the ion and electron velocity data provided by the EISCAT tristatic radar system, CUTLASS Finland coherent HF radar, and IMAGE fluxgate magnetometers. The data have been collected during a special experiment on 27 March 2004 during which EISCAT was scanning between several E- and one F-region altitudes along the magnetic field line. Within the E-region, the EISCAT measurements at two altitudes of 110 and 115 km are considered while the electron velocity is inferred from the EISCAT ion velocity measurements at 278 km. The line-of-sight (l-o-s) VHF velocity measured by STARE VHF los is compared to the ion and electron velocity components (Vi0 comp and Ve0 comp) along the STARE l-o-s direction. The comparison with Ve0 comp for the entire event shows that the measurements exhibit large scatter and small positive correlation. The correlation with Ve0 comp was substantial in the first half of the interval under study when Ve0 comp was larger in magnitude. The comparison with Vi0 comp at 110 and 115 km shows a considerable positive correlation, with VHF velocity being typically larger (smaller) in magnitude than Vi0 comp at 110 km (115 km) so that VVHF los appears to be bounded by the ion velocity components at two altitudes. It is also demonstrated that the difference between VVHF los and Vi0 comp at 110 km can be treated, in the first approximation, as a linear function of the effective backscatter height heff also counted from 110 km; heff varies in the range 108–114 km due to the altitude integration effects in the scattering cross-section. Our results are consistent with the notion that VHF velocity at large flow angles is directly related to the ion drift velocity component at an altitude heff.

scholarly journals Mapping ionospheric backscatter measured by the SuperDARN HF radars – Part 2: Assessing SuperDARN virtual height models

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 843-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. K. Yeoman ◽  
G. Chisham ◽  
L. J. Baddeley ◽  
R. S. Dhillon ◽  
T. J. T. Karhunen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Elevation Angle ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Companion Paper ◽  
Hf Radar ◽  
Propagation Path ◽  
Angle Of Arrival ◽  
Virtual Height ◽  
F Region ◽  
Propagation Paths

Abstract. The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) network of HF coherent backscatter radars form a unique global diagnostic of large-scale ionospheric and magnetospheric dynamics in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Currently the ground projections of the HF radar returns are routinely determined by a simple rangefinding algorithm, which takes no account of the prevailing, or indeed the average, HF propagation conditions. This is in spite of the fact that both direct E- and F-region backscatter and 1½-hop E- and F-region backscatter are commonly used in geophysical interpretation of the data. In a companion paper, Chisham et al. (2008) have suggested a new virtual height model for SuperDARN, based on average measured propagation paths. Over shorter propagation paths the existing rangefinding algorithm is adequate, but mapping errors become significant for longer paths where the roundness of the Earth becomes important, and a correct assumption of virtual height becomes more difficult. The SuperDARN radar at Hankasalmi has a propagation path to high power HF ionospheric modification facilities at both Tromsø on a ½-hop path and SPEAR on a 1½-hop path. The SuperDARN radar at Þykkvibǽr has propagation paths to both facilities over 1½-hop paths. These paths provide an opportunity to quantitatively test the available SuperDARN virtual height models. It is also possible to use HF radar backscatter which has been artificially induced by the ionospheric heaters as an accurate calibration point for the Hankasalmi elevation angle of arrival data, providing a range correction algorithm for the SuperDARN radars which directly uses elevation angle. These developments enable the accurate mappings of the SuperDARN electric field measurements which are required for the growing number of multi-instrument studies of the Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere.

scholarly journals Effects of solar eclipse on the electrodynamical processes of the equatorial ionosphere: a case study during 11 August 1999 dusk time total solar eclipse over India

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 1977-1985 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Sridharan ◽  
C. V. Devasia ◽  
N. Jyoti ◽  
Diwakar Tiwari ◽  
K. S. Viswanathan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electric Fields ◽  
Solar Eclipse ◽  
Equatorial Ionosphere ◽  
Hf Radar ◽  
F Region ◽  
Large Enhancement ◽  
Temporal Structures ◽  
E Region ◽  
Field Lines ◽  
Electric Fields And Currents

Abstract. The effects on the electrodynamics of the equatorial E- and F-regions of the ionosphere, due to the occurrence of the solar eclipse during sunset hours on 11 August 1999, were investigated in a unique observational campaign involving ground based ionosondes, VHF and HF radars from the equatorial location of Trivandrum (8.5° N; 77° E; dip lat. 0.5° N), India. The study revealed the nature of changes brought about by the eclipse in the evening time E- and F-regions in terms of (i) the sudden intensification of a weak blanketing ES-layer and the associated large enhancement of the VHF backscattered returns, (ii) significant increase in h' F immediately following the eclipse and (iii) distinctly different spatial and temporal structures in the spread-F irregularity drift velocities as observed by the HF radar. The significantly large enhancement of the backscattered returns from the E-region coincident with the onset of the eclipse is attributed to the generation of steep electron density gradients associated with the blanketing ES , possibly triggered by the eclipse phenomena. The increase in F-region base height immediately after the eclipse is explained as due to the reduction in the conductivity of the conjugate E-region in the path of totality connected to the F-region over the equator along the magnetic field lines, and this, with the peculiar local and regional conditions, seems to have reduced the E-region loading of the F-region dynamo, resulting in a larger post sunset F-region height (h' F) rise. These aspects of E-and F-region behaviour on the eclipse day are discussed in relation to those observed on the control day.Key words. Ionosphere (electric fields and currents; equatorial ionosphere; ionospheric irregularities)

scholarly journals Topside equatorial zonal ion velocities measured by C/NOFS during rising solar activity

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. R. Coley ◽  
R. A. Stoneback ◽  
R. A. Heelis ◽  
M. R. Hairston
Keyword(s):  
Solar Activity ◽  
Local Time ◽  
Geomagnetic Field ◽  
General Pattern ◽  
Magnetic Latitude ◽  
Ion Drifts ◽  
F Region ◽  
Westerly Flow ◽  
Solar Local Time ◽  
Ion Velocity

Abstract. The Ion Velocity Meter (IVM), a part of the Coupled Ion Neutral Dynamic Investigation (CINDI) instrument package on the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecast System (C/NOFS) spacecraft, has made over 5 yr of in situ measurements of plasma temperatures, composition, densities, and velocities in the 400–850 km altitude range of the equatorial ionosphere. These measured ion velocities are then transformed into a coordinate system with components parallel and perpendicular to the geomagnetic field allowing us to examine the zonal (horizontal and perpendicular to the geomagnetic field) component of plasma motion over the 2009–2012 interval. The general pattern of local time variation of the equatorial zonal ion velocity is well established as westward during the day and eastward during the night, with the larger nighttime velocities leading to a net ionospheric superrotation. Since the C/NOFS launch in April 2008, F10.7 cm radio fluxes have gradually increased from around 70 sfu to levels in the 130–150 sfu range. The comprehensive coverage of C/NOFS over the low-latitude ionosphere allows us to examine variations of the topside zonal ion velocity over a wide level of solar activity as well as the dependence of the zonal velocity on apex altitude (magnetic latitude), longitude, and solar local time. It was found that the zonal ion drifts show longitude dependence with the largest net eastward values in the American sector. The pre-midnight zonal drifts show definite solar activity (F10.7) dependence. The daytime drifts have a lower dependence on F10.7. The apex altitude (magnetic latitude) variations indicate a more westerly flow at higher altitudes. There is often a net topside subrotation at low F10.7 levels, perhaps indicative of a suppressed F region dynamo due to low field line-integrated conductivity and a low F region altitude at solar minimum.

scholarly journals Simultaneous HF measurements of E- and F-region Doppler velocities at large flow angles

2004 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 1177-1185 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Makarevitch ◽  
F. Honary ◽  
A. V. Koustov
Keyword(s):  
Hf Radar ◽  
Doppler Velocity ◽  
Plasma Convection ◽  
Aspect Angle ◽  
F Region ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
E Region ◽  
The Difference ◽  
New Feature ◽  
Large Flow

Abstract. Data collected by the CUTLASS Finland HF radar are used to illustrate the significant difference between the cosine component of the plasma convection in the F-region and the Doppler velocity of the E-region coherent echoes observed at large flow angles. We show that the E-region velocity is ~5 times smaller in magnitude and rotated by ~30° clockwise with respect to convection in the F-region. Also, measurements at flow angles larger than 90° exhibit a completely new feature: Doppler velocity increase with the expected aspect angle and spatial anticorrelation with the backscatter power. By considering DMSP drift-meter measurements we argue that the difference between F- and E-region velocities cannot be interpreted in terms of the convection change with latitude. The observed features in the velocity of the E-region echoes can be explained by taking into account the ion drift contribution to the irregularity phase velocity as predicted by the linear fluid theory. Key words. Ionosphere (auroral ionosphere; ionospheric irregularities; plasma convection)

scholarly journals The synthesis of travelling ionospheric disturbance (TID) signatures in HF radar observations using ray tracing

2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Stocker ◽  
N. F. Arnold ◽  
T. B. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Ray Tracing ◽  
Electron Density ◽  
Ionospheric Disturbance ◽  
Density Perturbation ◽  
Hf Radar ◽  
Ionospheric Disturbances ◽  
F Region ◽  
Abstract Characteristic ◽  
Electron Density Perturbation ◽  
Radar Frequency

Abstract. Characteristic signatures are often observed in HF radar range-time-intensity plots when travelling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) are present. These signatures, in particular the variation of the F-region skip distance, have been synthesised using a ray tracing model. The magnitude of the skip variation is found to be a function of the peak electron density perturbation associated with the TID and radar frequency. Examination of experimental observations leads to an estimate of the peak electron density perturbation amplitude of around 25% for those TIDs observed by the CUTLASS radar system. The advantage of using the skip variation over the radar return amplitude as an indicator of density perturbation is also discussed. An example of a dual radar frequency experiment has been given. The investigation of the effect of radar frequency on the observations will aid the optimisation of future experiments..Key words. Ionosphere (auroral ionosphere; ionosphere -atmosphere interactions; ionospheric disturbances)

scholarly journals Heights of SuperDARN F region echoes estimated from the analysis of HF radio wave propagation

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1987-1994 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. V. Koustov ◽  
D. André ◽  
E. Turunen ◽  
T. Raito ◽  
S. E. Milan
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
Hf Radar ◽  
Field Of View ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Density Distributions ◽  
F Region ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Earth Magnetic Field ◽  
Field Lines ◽  
Radar Wave

Abstract. Tomographic estimates of the electron density altitudinal and latitudinal distribution within the Hankasalmi HF radar field of view are used to predict the expected heights of F region coherent echoes by ray tracing and finding ranges of radar wave orthogonality with the Earth magnetic field lines. The predicted ranges of echoes are compared with radar observations concurrent with the tomographic measurements. Only those events are considered for which the electron density distributions were smooth, the band of F region HF echoes existed at ranges 700–1500 km, and there was a reasonable match between the expected and measured slant ranges of echoes. For a data set comprising of 82 events, the typical height of echoes was found to be 275 km.

scholarly journals Validation of Clyde River SuperDARN radar velocity measurements with the RISR-C incoherent scatter radar

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1657-1666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Koustov ◽  
Robert Gillies ◽  
Peter Bankole
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Hf Radar ◽  
Plasma Velocity ◽  
Velocity Measurements ◽  
Incoherent Scatter Radar ◽  
Incoherent Scatter ◽  
Radar Network ◽  
Scatter Radar ◽  
Radar Velocity ◽  
Resolute Bay

Abstract. The study considers simultaneous plasma velocity measurements in the eastward direction carried out by the Clyde River (CLY) Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) high-frequency (HF) radar and Resolute Bay (RB) incoherent scatter radar – Canada (RISR-C). The HF velocities are found to be in reasonable agreement with RISR velocities up to magnitudes of 700–800 m s−1 while, for faster flows, the HF velocity magnitudes are noticeably smaller. The eastward plasma flow component inferred from SuperDARN convection maps (constructed for the area of joint measurements with consideration of velocity data from all the radars of the network) shows the effect of smaller HF velocities more notably. We show that the differences in eastward velocities between the two instruments can be significant and prolonged for observations of strongly sheared plasma flows.

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