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F layer ionization patches in the polar capGround-based optical and digital ionosonde measurements were conducted at Thule, Greenland to measure ionospheric structure and dynamics in the nighttime polar cap F layer. These observations showed the existence of large-scale (800-1000 km) plasma patches drifting in the antisunward direction during a moderately disturbed (Kp greater than or equal to 4) period. Simultaneous Dynamics Explorer (DE-B) low-altitude plasma instrument (LAPI) measurements show that these patches with peak densities of about 10 to the 6th el per cu cm are not locally produced by structured particle precipitation. The LAPI measurements show a uniform precipitation of polar rain electrons over the polar cap. The combined measurements provide a comprehensive description of patch structure and dynamics. They are produced near or equatorward of the dayside auroral zone and convect across the polar cap in the antisunward direction. Gradients within the large scale, drifting patches are subject to structuring by convective instabilities. UHF scintillation and spaced receiver measurements are used to map the resulting irregularity distribution within the patches.
Document ID
19840043383
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Weber, E. J.
(Air Force Geophysics Lab. Hanscom AFB, MA, United States)
Buchau, J.
(Air Force Geophysics Lab. Hanscom AFB, MA, United States)
Moore, J. G.
(USAF, Geophysics Laboratory, Bedford MA, United States)
Sharber, J. R.
(Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL, United States)
Livingston, R. C.
(SRI International, Radio Physics Laboratory, Menlo Park CA, United States)
Winningham, J. D.
(Southwest Research Institute San Antonio, TX, United States)
Reinisch, B. W.
(Lowell, University Lowell, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 89
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Geophysics
Report/Patent Number
AD-A140133
AFGL-TR-84-0113
Accession Number
84A26170
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: FY7121-83-N-0001
CONTRACT_GRANT: DNA-S99QAXHC
CONTRACT_GRANT: F19628-80-C-0064
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-26363
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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