All Physics Faculty Publications

Indo-German Low-Latitude Project DEOS: Plasma Bubbles in the Post Sunset and Nighttime Sector

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Advances in Space Research

Volume

27

Issue

6/7

Publication Date

2001

First Page

1065

Last Page

1069

Abstract

Two spread-F flights were performed under equinox conditions in April and September 1998 from the Indian low-latitude station SHAR. Both flights detected plasma bubbles confined to a narrow longitudinal extent. Plasma parameters are measured under two different conditions in the post-sunset ionosphere; when the F-layer is moving upward (19:21 IST launch) and when the F-layer is stationary (20:41 IST launch). Low altitude bubbles during upwelling of the F-region in the prereversal current enhancement phase are characterized by turbulent, non Maxwellian regions. Transitional scale waves with K=−3.6 are observed in the bubbles. This flight also detects strong sharp E-layers during downleg and an intermediate layer at 170km. Nighttime bubbles during almost stationary F-layer conditions show turbulent, Maxwellian features with moderate cooling compared to the undisturbed environment. Transitional scale waves in the bubble region show a spectral index K=−3.1. The spectral power is reduced by around 20dB compared to the sunset flight.

Comments

Originally published by Elsevier. Publisher’s PDF available through remote link. Subscription is required.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0273-1177(01)00139-9

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