All Physics Faculty Publications
Measurements of thedynamics and coupling of the equatorial thermosphere and F. region ionosphere in Peru
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Journal of Atmospheric and Terrestrial Physics
Volume
50
Publisher
Elsevier
Publication Date
1988
First Page
937
Abstract
Simultaneous Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI) and Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) observations from Arequipa and Jicamarca, Peru, respectively, were obtained on 24 and 25 September 1986, during which there was substantial geomagnetic activity. Comparison of the neutral thermosphere's zonal velocity (measured by the FPI during twilight and night-time) and the F-region plasma's zonal drift (measured by the ISR throughout the day and night) indicate that at certain times, such as evening twilight, the two motions are not correlated, but that in the late night they are. The change from uncorrelated to correlated motion occurs as the ionospheric electron density decays, leading to a decreasing Pedersen conductivity which diminishes E-region shorting of the F-region dynamo, allowing the local thermospheric winds to control the F-region ionospheric drift.
Recommended Citation
Biondi, M. A., J. W. Meriwether, B. G. Fejer, and R. F. Woodman, Measurements of the dynamics and coupling of the equatorial thermosphere and F. region ionosphere in Peru, J. Atmos. Terr. Phys., 50, 937, 1988.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9169(88)90081-5
