scholarly journals A numerical model of the ionosphere, including the E-region above EISCAT

1996 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.-Y. Diloy ◽  
A. Robineau ◽  
J. Lilensten ◽  
P.-L. Blelly ◽  
J. Fontanari
Keyword(s):  
Electric Field ◽  
Fluid Model ◽  
Molecular Ions ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Topside Ionosphere ◽  
Ion Chemistry ◽  
Vhf Radar ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
Consistent Manner ◽  
E Region

Abstract. It has been previously demonstrated that a two-ion (O+ and H+) 8-moment time-dependent fluid model was able to reproduce correctly the ionospheric structure in the altitude range probed by the EISCAT-VHF radar. In the present study, the model is extended down to the E-region where molecular ion chemistry (NO+ and O+2, essentially) prevails over transport; EISCAT-UHF observations confirmed previous theoretical predictions that during events of intense E×B induced convection drifts, molecular ions (mainly NO+) predominate over O+ ions up to altitudes of 300 km. In addition to this extension of the model down to the E-region, the ionization and heating resulting from both solar insolation and particle precipitation is now taken into account in a consistent manner through a complete kinetic transport code. The effects of E×B induced convection drifts on the E- and F-region are presented: the balance between O+ and NO+ ions is drastically affected; the electric field acts to deplete the O+ ion concentration. The [NO+]/[O+] transition altitude varies from 190 km to 320 km as the perpendicular electric field increases from 0 to 100 mV m-1. An interesting additional by-product of the model is that it also predicts the presence of a noticeable fraction of N+ ions in the topside ionosphere in good agreement with Retarding Ion Mass Spectrometer measurements onboard Dynamic Explorer.

scholarly journals VHF radar observations of the dip equatorial E-region during sunset in the Brazilian sector

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 1617-1623 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Denardini ◽  
M. A. Abdu ◽  
E. R. de Paula ◽  
C. M. Wrasse ◽  
J. H. A. Sobral
Keyword(s):  
Electric Field ◽  
Equatorial Electrojet ◽  
Magnetic Activity ◽  
Maximum Intensity ◽  
Vhf Radar ◽  
F Region ◽  
Vertical Electric Field ◽  
Tentative Explanation ◽  
E Region ◽  
Activity Condition

Abstract. Using the RESCO 50 MHz backscatter radar (2.33° S, 44.2° W, DIP: –0.5), at São Luís, Brazil, we obtained Range Time Intensity (RTI) maps covering the equatorial electrojet heights during daytime and evening. These maps revealed a scattering region at an altitude of about 108 km during the sunset period. The type of 3-m irregularity region we present here has not been reported before in the literature, to our knowledge. It was mainly observed around the Southern Hemisphere summer-solstice period, under quiet magnetic activity condition. The occurrence of this echo region coincides in local time with the maximum intensity of an evening pre-reversal eastward electric field of the ionospheric F-region. A tentative explanation is proposed here in terms of the theory of the divergence of the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) current in the evening ionosphere presented by Haerendel and Eccles (1992), to explain the partial contribution of the divergence to the development of the pre-reversal electric field. The theory predicts an enhanced zonal electric field and hence a vertical electric field below 300 km as a consequence of the EEJ divergence in the evening. The experimental results of the enhanced echoes from the higher heights of the EEJ region seem to provide evidence that the divergence of the EEJ current can indeed be the driver of the observed scattering region.

scholarly journals Numerical simulation of mid-latitude ionospheric <i>E</i>-region based on SEEK and SEEK-2 observations

2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 2377-2384 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Yokoyama ◽  
M. Yamamoto ◽  
S. Fukao ◽  
T. Takahashi ◽  
M. Tanaka
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Electric Field ◽  
Electric Fields ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Vhf Radar ◽  
Sounding Rockets ◽  
Radar Echoes ◽  
Polarization Electric Field ◽  
E Region ◽  
Sporadic E

Abstract. Observational campaigns of the mid-latitude ionospheric E-region with sounding rockets and ground-based instruments were conducted in 1996 (SEEK) and 2002 (SEEK-2). Both of them were successfully conducted to bring important findings about the mid-latitude E-region and quasi-periodic (QP) VHF radar echoes. The observational results in the SEEK and the SEEK-2 are compared with numerical simulations and discussed in this paper. While sporadic-E (Es)-layers are actually formed by the observed neutral wind, it is difficult for the constant wind shear to produce the sharp Es-layer gradient. However, once they are formed in the lower E-region, they cannot easily be dissipated by the simple diffusive motion. The polarization electric field, calculated under the condition at the rocket launch time, shows similar amplitude and structure to the measurement around the Es-layer altitude. The structure of the plasma density and the electric field above the Es-layer observed in the SEEK-2 showed a wave-like pattern up to an altitude of 150 km. Considering a mapping of the polarization electric field generated within the Es-layers, gravity waves are the possible source of the wave-like structure of the measured electric fields and sub-peaks of the electron density above the main Es-layers. Fluctuation of the measured magnetic field is reproduced by Hall or field-aligned current driven by the polarization electric field. The current theoretical models for QP echoes and the polarization electric field are basically verified by the discussion in this paper. Keywords. Ionospheric irregularities – Mid-latitude ionosphere – Numerical simulation studies

Ion chemistry of second-row transition metals in hydrocarbon flames: cations and anions of Y, Zr, Nb, and Mo

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (12) ◽  
pp. 2263-2271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine C.Y. Chow ◽  
John M. Goodings
Keyword(s):  
Transition Metals ◽  
Gas Phase ◽  
Atmospheric Pressure ◽  
Chemical Ionization ◽  
Negative Ions ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Oxidation States ◽  
Metallic Ions ◽  
Ion Chemistry ◽  
Hydrocarbon Flames

A pair of laminar, premixed, CH4–O2 flames above 2000 K at atmospheric pressure, one fuel-rich (FR) and the other fuel-lean (FL), were doped with ~10−6 mol fraction of the second-row transition metals Y, Zr, Nb, and Mo. Since these hydrocarbon flames contain natural ionization, metallic ions were produced in the flames by the chemical ionization (CI) of metallic neutral species, primarily by H3O+ and OH− as CI sources. Both positive and negative ions of the metals were observed as profiles of ion concentration versus distance along the flame axis by sampling the flames through a nozzle into a mass spectrometer. For yttrium, the observed ions include the YO+•nH2O (n = 0–3) series, and Y(OH)4−. With zirconium, they include the ZrO(OH)+•nH2O (n = 0–2) series, and ZrO(OH)3−. Those observed with niobium were the cations Nb(OH)3+ and Nb(OH)4+, and the single anion NbO2(OH)2−. For molybdenum, they include the cations MoO(OH)2+ and MoO(OH)3+, and the anions MoO3− and MoO3(OH)−. Not every ion was observed in each flame; the FL flame tended to favour the ions in higher oxidation states. Also, flame ions in higher oxidation states were emphasized for these second-row transition metals compared with their first-row counterparts. Some ions written as members of hydrate series may have structures different from those of simple hydrates; e.g., YO+•H2O = Y(OH)2+ and ZrO(OH)+•H2O = Zr(OH)3+, etc. The ion chemistry for the production of these ions by CI in flames is discussed in detail. Keywords: transition metals, ions, flame, gas phase, negative ions.

Dissociation Dynamics of Molecular Ions in High dc Electric Field

2016 ◽  
Vol 120 (20) ◽  
pp. 3654-3662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan Blum ◽  
Lorenzo Rigutti ◽  
François Vurpillot ◽  
Angela Vella ◽  
Aurore Gaillard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electric Field ◽  
Molecular Ions ◽  
Dissociation Dynamics ◽  
Dc Electric Field

scholarly journals Observations of polar patches generated by solar wind Alfvén wave coupling to the dayside magnetosphere

1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 463-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Prikryl ◽  
J. W. MacDougall ◽  
I. F. Grant ◽  
D. P. Steele ◽  
G. J. Sofko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Wind ◽  
Electric Field ◽  
Alfven Waves ◽  
Alfven Wave ◽  
Alfvén Waves ◽  
Convection Cell ◽  
Convection Flow ◽  
Vhf Radar ◽  
Sky Imager ◽  
The Imf

Abstract. A long series of polar patches was observed by ionosondes and an all-sky imager during a disturbed period (Kp = 7- and IMF Bz < 0). The ionosondes measured electron densities of up to 9 × 1011 m-3 in the patch center, an increase above the density minimum between patches by a factor of \\sim4.5. Bands of F-region irregularities generated at the equatorward edge of the patches were tracked by HF radars. The backscatter bands were swept northward and eastward across the polar cap in a fan-like formation as the afternoon convection cell expanded due to the IMF By > 0. Near the north magnetic pole, an all-sky imager observed the 630-nm emission patches of a distinctly band-like shape drifting northeastward to eastward. The 630-nm emission patches were associated with the density patches and backscatter bands. The patches originated in, or near, the cusp footprint where they were formed by convection bursts (flow channel events, FCEs) structuring the solar EUV-produced photoionization and the particle-produced auroral/cusp ionization by segmenting it into elongated patches. Just equatorward of the cusp footprint Pc5 field line resonances (FLRs) were observed by magnetometers, riometers and VHF/HF radars. The AC electric field associated with the FLRs resulted in a poleward-progressing zonal flow pattern and backscatter bands. The VHF radar Doppler spectra indicated the presence of steep electron density gradients which, through the gradient drift instability, can lead to the generation of the ionospheric irregularities found in patches. The FLRs and FCEs were associated with poleward-progressing DPY currents (Hall currents modulated by the IMF By) and riometer absorption enhancements. The temporal and spatial characteristics of the VHF backscatter and associated riometer absorptions closely resembled those of poleward moving auroral forms (PMAFs). In the solar wind, IMP 8 observed large amplitude Alfvén waves that were correlated with Pc5 pulsations observed by the ground magnetometers, riometers and radars. It is concluded that the FLRs and FCEs that produced patches were driven by solar wind Alfvén waves coupling to the dayside magnetosphere. During a period of southward IMF the dawn-dusk electric field associated with the Alfvén waves modulated the subsolar magnetic reconnection into pulses that resulted in convection flow bursts mapping to the ionospheric footprint of the cusp.Key words. Ionosphere (polar ionosphere). Magneto- spheric physics (magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions; polar wind-magnetosphere interactions).

scholarly journals Enhanced incoherent scatter plasma lines

1996 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 1462-1472 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Nilsson ◽  
S. Kirkwood ◽  
J. Lilensten ◽  
M. Galand
Keyword(s):  
High Plasma ◽  
Collision Term ◽  
Vhf Radar ◽  
Detailed Model ◽  
Model Calculations ◽  
Incoherent Scatter ◽  
Incoherent Scatter Radars ◽  
Plasma Line ◽  
E Region ◽  
Radar Measurements

Abstract. Detailed model calculations of auroral secondary and photoelectron distributions for varying conditions have been used to calculate the theoretical enhancement of incoherent scatter plasma lines. These calculations are compared with EISCAT UHF radar measurements of enhanced plasma lines from both the E and F regions, and published EISCAT VHF radar measurements. The agreement between the calculated and observed plasma line enhancements is good. The enhancement from the superthermal distribution can explain even the very strong enhancements observed in the auroral E region during aurora, as previously shown by Kirkwood et al. The model calculations are used to predict the range of conditions when enhanced plasma lines will be seen with the existing high-latitude incoherent scatter radars, including the new EISCAT Svalbard radar. It is found that the detailed structure, i.e. the gradients in the suprathermal distribution, are most important for the plasma line enhancement. The level of superthermal flux affects the enhancement only in the region of low phase energy where the number of thermal electrons is comparable to the number of suprathermal electrons and in the region of high phase energy where the suprathermal fluxes fall to such low levels that their effect becomes small compared to the collision term. To facilitate the use of the predictions for the different radars, the expected signal- to-noise ratios (SNRs) for typical plasma line enhancements have been calculated. It is found that the high-frequency radars (Søndre Strømfjord, EISCAT UHF) should observe the highest SNR, but only for rather high plasma frequencies. The VHF radars (EISCAT VHF and Svalbard) will detect enhanced plasma lines over a wider range of frequencies, but with lower SNR.

scholarly journals Seasonal variation of the ion upflow in the topside ionosphere during SAPS (subauroral polarization stream) periods

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 1521-1534 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Wang ◽  
H. Lühr
Keyword(s):  
Frictional Heating ◽  
Ion Source ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Seasonal Effect ◽  
Topside Ionosphere ◽  
Local Formation ◽  
Winter Solstice ◽  
Density Region ◽  
Ion Density ◽  
Important Relationship

Abstract. A statistical study has been performed by using two years of DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) plasma observations to investigate the seasonal effect of SAPS (subauroral polarization stream) on the ion upflow in the duskside ionosphere of the Northern Hemisphere. There are obvious upflows occurring in the topside ionosphere around the SAPS region, exceeding 200 m s−1 at winter solstice, indicating an important relationship between SAPS and the local plasma upward motion. Both SAPS and ion upward velocities show similar seasonal variations, largest in winter and smallest in summer, irrespective of geomagnetic activity. A good correlation is found and a linear relationship is derived between SAPS and the ion upflow velocities. During December solstice the average upflow flux can reach about 2 × 108 cm−2 s−1 for more disturbed periods, which is comparable to the typical upflow flux in the dayside cusp region. The depression of the ion temperatures around the peak SAPS region can be understood in terms of the adiabatic cooling. The hot ion cools down when expanding into the low ion concentration region. The electron temperature elevates around the SAPS region because of the reduced Coulomb cooling in the low ion density region. Both the changes of ion and electron temperatures are larger in winter than in summer, however, for Kp < 4 the electron temperatures are almost seasonably independent. The present work highlights the important role of the SAPS-related frictional heating at mid-latitudes on the local formation of the strong upward flow, which might provide a direct ionospheric ion source for the ring current and plasmasphere in the duskside sector.

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