Ionospheric Patch Formation: Direct Measurements of the Origin of a Polar Cap Patch

Abstract

We present the first direct measurements documenting the origin of an ionospheric patch, emerging into the polar cap from the noon dark cusp region of the dayside auroral oval. A series of such patches were observed. The observed patch-formation signatures, in plasma density and velocity, ion and electron temperature, and optical transient signatures, are all compared to those required of the Lockwood and Carlson 1992 transient reconnection mechanism for patch formation. Conformity of the observed signatures, to the stringent signatures demanded of these five ilndependent parameters by the tested mechanism, is taken as strong substantiation of the applicability of this mechanism. The data exclude two alternate candidate mechanisms.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 20, 2004
Accession Number
ADA437937

Entities

People

  • Herbert C. Carlson Jr.
  • J. Moen
  • Kjellmar Oksavik
  • Todd R Pedersen

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Boundaries
  • Conformity
  • Electron Gas
  • Electrons
  • High Density
  • High Latitudes
  • Ionosphere
  • Latitude
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Measurement
  • Polar Cap
  • Precipitation
  • Regions
  • Scientific Research

Readers

  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics