Spread F Theories - A Review.
Abstract
Our understanding of equatorial spread F (ESF) phenomena has increased dramatically over the past few years: notwithstanding the fact that it was discovered over four decades ago (BOOKER and WELLS, 1938) as diffuse echoes on ionograms. Much of this advancement in understanding comes from a combined theoretical and experimental approach to the problem. Advances in radar backscatter measurements, satellite and rocket in situ measurements, and theoretical and numerical simulation techniques have provided a clearer picture of the fundamental mechanisms causing ESF. The study of ESF phenomena has been both complicated and enriched by the fact that the attendant magnetic field aligned ionospheric irregularities span some 5-6 orders of magnitude in scale sizes. The present paper will deal with ESF theory and at that only those theories using plasma mechanisms as a basis. Experimental reviews of the subject can be found in other papers in this edition. An examination is made of the basic equatorial nighttime ionospheric F region geometry.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 30, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA095033
Entities
People
- Sidney L. Ossakow
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory