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Observations of joule and particle heating in the auroral zoneObservational data from the Chatanika, Alaska incoherent scatter radar have been used to deduce atmospheric heating rates associated with particle precipitation and joule dissipation. During periods when Chatanika is in the vicinity of the auroral oval the height-integrated heat input to the lower thermosphere can be as large as 100 ergs per sq cm per sec with joule and particle heating rates of comparable magnitude. Altitude profiles of these heat inputs are also obtained, showing that the energy liberated by joule dissipation tends to peak at a substantially higher altitude (about 130 km) than that due to particles (100-120 km). As a consequence, it follows that joule heating can be expected to provide a rapid means for creating thermospheric disturbances. It is also pointed out that joule and particle heating are permanent features of the auroral oval and polar cap. As such, expansion of the auroral oval leads to an increase in the total global heating and, hence, to the close relationship between magnetic disturbances and thermospheric perturbation.
Document ID
19770048830
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Banks, P. M.
(California, University La Jolla, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1977
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Atmospheric and Terrestrial Physics
Volume: 39
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
77A31682
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF GA-36281
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-05-009-075
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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