The Anisotropy of High Latitude Nighttime F-Region Irregularities.

Abstract

The anisotropy of intermediate-scale, F-region irregularities in the nighttime auroral zone is described. The study is based upon spaced-receiver phase-scintillation measurements made with the Wideband satellite at Poker Flat, Alaska. A systematic dependence of irregularity anisotropy with local time and magnetic latitude is observed, suggesting convective control. Sheet-like irregularities are confined to the zone of east-west drift near the equatorward boundary of the auroral zone. At the flow reversal, or Harang discontinuity, the cross-field extension of the sheets is reduced. The extension of rod-like irregularities, which are observed poleward of the zonal convection boundary, also shows apparent convection dominance. Mechanisms for convection control of the anisotropy are discussed. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 31, 1982
Accession Number
ADA131215

Entities

People

  • C. L. Rino
  • Jacqueline Owen
  • Robert C. Livingston
  • Roland T. Tsunoda

Organizations

  • SRI International

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • California
  • Classification
  • Contracts
  • Convection
  • Department Of Defense
  • Electron Density
  • Elevation
  • Geometry
  • High Latitudes
  • Latitude
  • Low Elevation
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Radio Waves
  • Security
  • Systems Engineering

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics

Technology Areas

  • Space