Dynamical - Chemical Coupling in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere.
Abstract
The dynamic ionosphere over Arecibo is simulated using a finite element technique. It is shown that the so-called 'collapse of the Arecibo F-layer is caused by the upward-propagating semidiurnal tide excited in the upper stratosphere by ozone heating. The steep underside density gradients observed in conjunction with the collapse are shown to be due to the shear in the meridional wind field of the semidiurnal tide. These gradients are capable of triggering the gradient drift plasma instability, and accounting for plasma irregularity formation and observations of VHF scintillations associated with the collapse phenomenon.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA171998
Entities
People
- Jeffrey M. Forbes
Organizations
- Boston University