ISIS Topside Sounder Data Gathered on Kwajalein Atoll during the Summers of 1977 and 1978.
Abstract
In conjunction with the DNA Wideband Equatorial program, ISIS topside sounder data was gathered during the summers of 1977 and 1978 on Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands. In addition, signal scintillation information using the VHF satellite telemetry signal was obtained in 1978. This report provides a summary of all the data including a description of each of the 252 satellite passes recorded. Preliminary data analysis shows that the active ionospheric region producing both severe signal scintillations and severe spread-F is coincident with the equatorial anomaly region. As this region rises in the post-sunset period and then rapidly descends, 'exploded traces' appear on many equatorial ionograms. These field-aligned structures which are identified as plumes and may be related to equatorial bubbles, extend along the magnetic field from one conjugate region to the other and prefer the magnetic field line from 15 N to 15 S magnetic latitude. They have a limited east-west extent. Sometimes several can be seen to the east or west of the satellite separated by a smooth temperature. Magnetic field-aligned ducts of depleted ionization are also an irregularity feature seen on low latitude ionograms in the evening. Those occurring within the anomaly region are potentially remnants of bubbles which have risen high on the topside and broken up. Those outside the anomaly region appear before the anomaly region breakup and are thus not directly related to bubbles. However, the mechanism producing them may also play a part in the formation of bubbles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 31, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA091845
Entities
People
- Gordon J. Fulks