Ionospheric and Thermospheric Weather: Simulations and Applications
Abstract
LONG-TERM GOAL. The long-term goal of this research is to elucidate the physics associated with the creation, transport, and decay of mesoscale ionospheric density structures and to determine their effect on Naval systems. Of particular interest are propagating plasma patches, density structures associated with sun-aligned polar cap arcs, and density structures created during geomagnetic storms and substorms. SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES. Mesoscale plasma density structures are prevalent in the ionosphere at all latitudes. When the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) turns southward, plasma patches form on the dayside of the high latitude ionosphere and then propagate in an antisunward direction across the polar cap. When the IMF turns northward, sun-aligned arcs appear in the polar cap. Also, during geomagnetic storms and substorms, the enhanced convection and localized particle precipitation leads to ionospheric density structures. Associated with plasma density structures are enhanced levels of scintillation. One of our objectives is to determine the exact mechanisms responsible for creating plasma structures under different seasonal, solar cycle, and geomagnetic activity conditions. Another objective is to determine the lifetimes and transport characteristics of the various plasma structures. A third objective is to determine the extent to which plasma patches can affect the thermosphere. Our final objective is to determine the effect of plasma structures and irregularities on Naval systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA635232
Entities
People
- Robert W. Schunk
Organizations
- Utah State University