Chatanika Radar and S3-2 Measurements of Auroral-Zone Electrodynamics in the Midnight Sector.
Abstract
Chatanika radar measurements were combined with S3-2 satellite data obtained during passes over the midnight sector auroral zone to study the relationships between conductivities, electric fields, and currents in the Harang discontinuity. Three passes were chosen based on the quality of the radar and satellite data and the availability of supplementary ground-based or satellite measurements. The radar measured electric fields and conductivities as a function of latitude and local time. The satellite measured the latitudinal distribution of electric field and field-aligned current during the three polar passes. The most intenser electric fields were observed in the poleward and equatorward portions of the auroral oval as defined by the region of enhanced ionospheric conductivity. These high electric fields were located at the boundaries between oppositely directed field-aligned-current sheets. The dominant field-aligned-current region in the Harang discontinuity was a broad upward current sheet within which bright auroral arcs were observed. In the three cases examined, there was a net upward current in the discontinuity. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA137947
Entities
People
- R. M. Robinson
Organizations
- SRI International