Model Results with PIIE (Polar Ionospheric Irregularities Experiment) Rocket Data.

Abstract

Precipitating electron fluxes measured over a polar cap, F-region auroral arc were input to an ionospheric model code that calculates density profiles of various species and the electron temperature. Most model results compare favorably with rocket measurements taken near apogee over the arc. The actual electron temperature is underestimated by the model and the relative densities of some minor species do not agree. Model results show that initial conditions are extremely important for dynamic, short lived (approx. 15 min.) fluxes producing ionization in the F region. The neutral atmosphere underlying the model also influences the electron density profile produced by soft fluxes. Such differences may play a role in the solar cycle dependence of density fluctuation which cause scintillations in the polar cap. Keywords: PIIE (Polar Ionospheric Irregularities Experiment); Ionospheric model; Electron flux; Polar cap; F-region auroral arc.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 26, 1986
Accession Number
ADA176999

Entities

People

  • Robert E. Sheehan

Organizations

  • Boston College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Electron Density
  • Electron Flux
  • Electrons
  • Ionospheric Models
  • Models
  • Polar Cap
  • Regions
  • Solar Cycle

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics