Based on the experiments we consider, we predict that the s/1 variations of Pseed will be found to be similar to those of PEF•, and largely to explain them. Finally, we find reasons, based on the similarity of the DRSF variations to s/1 patterns of the average scintillation index, for not using, as is commonly done, such scintillation patterns as substitutes for PEF• or Pinst patterns.
Abstract. Some examples from the Atmosphere Explorer E data showing plasma bubble development from wavy ion density structures in the bottomside F layer are described. The wavy structures mostly had east-west wavelengths of 150-800 kin; in one example it was about 3000 kin. The ionization troughs in the wavy structures later broke up into either a multiple-bubble patch or a single bubble, depending upon whether, in the precursor wavy structure, shorter wavelengths were superimposed on the larger-scale wavelengths. In the multiple-bubble patches, intrabubble spacings varied from 55 km to 140 kin. In a fully developed equatorial spread F case, east-west wavelengths from 690 km down to about 0.5 km were present simultaneously. The spacings between bubble patches or between bubbles in a patch appear to be determined by the wavelengths present in the precursor wave structure. In some cases, deeper bubbles developed on the western edge of a bubble patch, suggesting an east-west asymmetry. Simultaneous horizontal neutral wind measurements showed wavelike perturbations that were closely associated with perturbations in the plasma horizontal drift velocity. We argue that the wave structures observed here that served as the initial seed ion density perturbations were caused by gravity waves, strengthening the view that gravity waves seed equatorial spread F irregularities.
The ionosonde data are studied for equatorial station, Thumba, to delineate various features of the evening height rise of F layer. Sharp increase of h'F and h_F2 is obß 13 served •n the postsunset period for high solar activity. Seasonal variation is observed in this increase of h'F and it is maximum for equinox months. For summer months, there is a delay of about an hour in the time of occurrence of h'F (peak) as compared to winter and equinox months. This delay is shown to be associated with the delay in sunset times in the conjugate E regions. As for magnetic activity dependence, it is found that this height increase is less pronounced for disturbed days for winter and equinox whereas for summer it is marginally higher over the quiet day values. Further, it is observed that the value of h'F (peak) during disturbed periods is almost at the same value of 350 km for all the three seasons. Thus the seasonal variation of magnetic activity effects appears to be mainly governed by the average seasonal variation for quiet times. The increase in F layer height is due to zonal eastward electric fields developed after sunset which is believed to be due to F region dynamo fields. While the main driving force for these fields is the zonal neutral winds, the development of these fields depend on the ratio of the F region to E region conductivity and the longitudinal gradient in the E region conductivity. Experimental observations of both the neutral winds and ionospheric conductivities are examined for their variation with solar activity, season and magnetic activity as both these factors will contribute for the various observed features of the height rise. Through model calculations it is shown that the E region density (conductivity) gradient in the postsunset period is higher by a factor of 2 for high solar activity compared to low solar activity and hence it is partly responsible for the observed solar activity variation of the postsunset height rise of the F layer. The importance of the studies using available ionosonde data for understanding the F region dynamo electric fields is emphasized.
Abstract. We describe here a new phenomenon characterized by unusual patterns of ion drifts inside ion density depletion regions observed by the AE-E satellite in the low-latitude F region. In about 30 depletions, vertical ion drift relative to the background was upward on the western sides, downward on the eastern sides, and zero near the middle where the density depletion was greatest. These drift characteristics are distinct from those observed in plasma bubble depletions. The structures reported here were observed on circular orbits below 300 km altitude and had density depletions of up to 2 orders of magnitude or more below the ambient ion density. The upward and downward drift excursions were up to 200 m/s relative to the background. Almost all these structures were observed over oceans or near coasts and largely between +10 ø and +30 ø dip latitude. The structures were observed mostly as isolated, single depletion regions with the majority of them about 250 km wide in the east-west direction. They occurred during quiet magnetic conditions with near-equal occurrence frequencies in the premidnight and postmidnight periods. The characteristic density and drift signatures indicate westward propagating disturbances in which the bottomside F layer is first lifted and then returned back to its original position, leaving the ionosphere undisturbed after the disturbance passes by. The estimated speed of these disturbances is of the order of 200 m/s. These unique solitary plasma disturbances, which we designate as singular plasma disturbances, are associated with a propagating source of E xB drift, not driven by neutral perturbations at the altitude of observation.
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