scholarly journals Conditions for topside ionline enhancements

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa Rexer ◽  
Björn Gustavsson ◽  
Thomas Leyser ◽  
Mike Rietveld
Keyword(s):  
Resonance Frequency ◽  
Double Resonance ◽  
Topside Ionosphere ◽  
Pump Frequency ◽  
Heating Facility ◽  
Off Pump ◽  
F Region ◽  
Relative Proximity ◽  
Electron Gyrofrequency ◽  
Uhf Radar

<p>High frequency (HF) enhanced ion line spectra as a response to magnetic field aligned HF pumping of the polar ionosphere in an O-mode polarization can be observed at the top and bottomside F-region ionosphere under certain conditions. The European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) UHF radar was directed in magnetic zenith on 18th and 19th October 2017 while stepping the pump frequency of the EISCAT Heating facility across the double resonance frequency of the fourth harmonic of the electron gyrofrequency and the local upper hybrid frequency, in a 2-min-on, 2-min-off pump cycle, stepping both upward and downward in frequency. We present observations of two separate cases of topside HF enhanced ion lines (THFIL). THFIL simultaneous to bottomside HFIL (BHFIL) and conditioned by the relative proximity to the double resonance frequency, consistent with previous observations \citep{Rexer2018} were observed for heating pulses on 19th October. Recurring THFIL with a second set of characteristics were observed on 18th October, appearing independently from BHFIL and possibly conditioned by the proximity of the topside double resonance frequency. Propagation of the pump wave to the topside ionosphere is consistent with L-mode wave propagation facilitated by density striations in the plasma. We consider the conditions for the occurrence of THFIL for two cases/types of observations. </p>

scholarly journals Evidence of <i>L</i>-mode electromagnetic wave pumping of ionospheric plasma near geomagnetic zenith

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 243-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas B. Leyser ◽  
H. Gordon James ◽  
Björn Gustavsson ◽  
Michael T. Rietveld
Keyword(s):  
Electromagnetic Waves ◽  
Ionospheric Plasma ◽  
Pump Wave ◽  
Topside Ionosphere ◽  
Mode Propagation ◽  
Pump Frequency ◽  
Density Peak ◽  
F Region ◽  
Left Handed ◽  
Magnetic Zenith

Abstract. The response of ionospheric plasma to pumping by powerful HF (high frequency) electromagnetic waves transmitted from the ground into the ionosphere is the strongest in the direction of geomagnetic zenith. We present experimental results from transmitting a left-handed circularly polarized HF beam from the EISCAT (European Incoherent SCATter association) Heating facility in magnetic zenith. The CASSIOPE (CAScade, Smallsat and IOnospheric Polar Explorer) spacecraft in the topside ionosphere above the F-region density peak detected transionospheric pump radiation, although the pump frequency was below the maximum ionospheric plasma frequency. The pump wave is deduced to arrive at CASSIOPE through L-mode propagation and associated double (O to Z, Z to O) conversion in pump-induced radio windows. L-mode propagation allows the pump wave to reach higher plasma densities and higher ionospheric altitudes than O-mode propagation so that a pump wave in the L-mode can facilitate excitation of upper hybrid phenomena localized in density depletions in a larger altitude range. L-mode propagation is therefore suggested to be important in explaining the magnetic zenith effect. Keywords. Space plasma physics (active perturbation experiments)

scholarly journals Phenomena induced by powerful HF pumping towards magnetic zenith with a frequency near the F-region critical frequency and the third electron gyro harmonic frequency

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. F. Blagoveshchenskaya ◽  
H. C. Carlson ◽  
V. A. Kornienko ◽  
T. D. Borisova ◽  
M. T. Rietveld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
Critical Frequency ◽  
Harmonic Frequency ◽  
Thermal Electron ◽  
Pump Frequency ◽  
Electron Heating ◽  
The Third ◽  
F Region ◽  
Uhf Radar ◽  
Magnetic Zenith

Abstract. Multi-instrument observational data from an experiment on 13 October 2006 at the EISCAT/HEATING facility at Tromsø, Norway are analysed. The experiment was carried out in the evening hours when the electron density in the F-region dropped, and the HF pump frequency fH was near and then above the critical frequency of the F2 layer. The distinctive feature of this experiment is that the pump frequency was just below the third electron gyro harmonic frequency, while both the HF pump beam and UHF radar beam were directed towards the magnetic zenith (MZ). The HF pump-induced phenomena were diagnosed with several instruments: the bi-static HF radio scatter on the London-Tromsø-St. Petersburg path, the CUTLASS radar in Hankasalmi (Finland), the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) UHF radar at Tromsø and the Tromsø ionosonde (dynasonde). The results show thermal electron excitation of the HF-induced striations seen simultaneously from HF bi-static scatter and CUTLASS radar observations, accompanied by increases of electron temperature when the heater frequency was near and then above the critical frequency of the F2 layer by up to 0.4 MHz. An increase of the electron density up to 25% accompanied by strong HF-induced electron heating was observed, only when the heater frequency was near the critical frequency and just below the third electron gyro harmonic frequency. It is concluded that the combined effect of upper hybrid resonance and gyro resonance at the same altitude gives rise to strong electron heating, the excitation of striations, HF ray trapping and extension of HF waves to altitudes where they can excite Langmuir turbulence and fluxes of electrons accelerated to energies that produce ionization.

scholarly journals WN4 effect on longitudinal distribution of different ion species in the topside ionosphere at low latitudes by means of DEMETER, DMSP-F13 and DMSP-F15 data

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 2893-2902 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Bankov ◽  
R. Heelis ◽  
M. Parrot ◽  
J.-J. Berthelier ◽  
P. Marinov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Density Distribution ◽  
Major Ions ◽  
Local Times ◽  
Longitudinal Distribution ◽  
Topside Ionosphere ◽  
Regular Feature ◽  
Ion Density ◽  
F Region ◽  
Longitudinal Variations ◽  
Ion Species

Abstract. Plasma probe data from DMSP-F13, DMSP-F15 and DEMETER satellites were used to examine longitudinal structures in the topside equatorial ionosphere during fall equinox conditions of 2004 year. Since the launch of DEMETER satellite on 29 June 2004, all these satellites operate close together in the topside ionosphere. Here, data taken from Special Sensor-Ion, Electron and Scintillations (SSIES) instruments on board DMSP-F13, F15 and Instrument Analyser de Plasma (IAP) on DEMETER, are used. Longitudinal variations in the major ions at two altitudes (~730 km for DEMETER and ~840 km for DMSP) are studied to further describe the recently observed "wavenumber-four" (WN4) structures in the equatorial topside ionosphere. Different ion species H+, He+ and O+ have a rather complex longitudinal behavior. It is shown that WN4 is almost a regular feature in O+ the density distribution over all local times covered by these satellites. In the evening local time sector, H+ ions follow the O+ behavior within WN4 structures up to the pre-midnight hours. Near sunrise H+ and later in the daytime, He+ longitudinal variations are out of phase with respect to O+ ions and effectively reduce the effect of WN4 on total ion density distribution at altitudes 730–840 km. It is shown that both a WN4 E×B drift driver and local F-region winds must be considered to explain the observed ion composition variations.

scholarly journals He<sup>+</sup> dominance in the plasmasphere during geomagnetically disturbed periods: 1. Observational results

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 461-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. H. Denton ◽  
G. J. Bailey ◽  
C. R. Wilford ◽  
A. S. Rodger ◽  
S. Venkatraman
Keyword(s):  
Geomagnetic Storm ◽  
Plasma Temperature ◽  
Recovery Phase ◽  
Geomagnetic Disturbance ◽  
Topside Ionosphere ◽  
Exchange Reactions ◽  
Geomagnetic Disturbances ◽  
Model Calculations ◽  
Flux Tubes ◽  
F Region

Abstract. Observations made by the DMSP F10 satellite during the recovery phase from geomagnetic disturbances in June 1991 show regions of He+ dominance around 830 km altitude at 09:00 MLT. These regions are co-located with a trough in ionisation observed around 55° in the winter hemisphere. Plasma temperature and concentration observations made during the severe geomagnetic storm of 24 March 1991 are used as a case study to determine the effects of geomagnetic disturbances along the orbit of the F10 satellite. Previous explanations for He+ dominance in this trough region relate to the part of the respective flux tubes that is in darkness. Such conditions are not relevant for this study, since the whole of the respective flux tubes are sunlit. A new mechanism is proposed to explain the He+ dominance in the trough region. This mechanism is based on plasma transport and chemical reaction effects in the F-region and topside ionosphere, and on the time scales for such chemical reactions. Flux tubes previously depleted by geomagnetic storm effects refill during the recovery phase from the ionosphere as a result of pressure differences along the flux tubes. Following a geomagnetic disturbance, the He+ ion recovers quickly via the rapid photoionisation of neutral helium, in the F-region and the topside. The recovery of the O+ and H+ ions is less rapid. This is proposed as a result of the respective charge exchange reactions with neutral atomic hydrogen and oxygen. Preliminary model calculations support the proposed mechanism.Key words. Magnetospheric physics (storms and sub-storms, plasmasphere)

scholarly journals Electron heating by HF pumping of high-latitude ionospheric F-region plasma near magnetic zenith

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 297-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas B. Leyser ◽  
Björn Gustavsson ◽  
Theresa Rexer ◽  
Michael T. Rietveld
Keyword(s):  
Electron Temperature ◽  
Pump Beam ◽  
Electron Heating ◽  
Incoherent Scatter ◽  
F Region ◽  
Left Handed ◽  
Parameter Values ◽  
Uhf Radar ◽  
Region Plasma ◽  
Magnetic Zenith

Abstract. High-frequency electromagnetic pumping of ionospheric F-region plasma at high and mid latitudes gives the strongest plasma response in magnetic zenith, antiparallel to the geomagnetic field in the Northern Hemisphere. This has been observed in optical emissions from the pumped plasma turbulence, electron temperature enhancements, filamentary magnetic field-aligned plasma density irregularities, and in self-focusing of the pump beam in magnetic zenith. We present results of EISCAT (European Incoherent SCATter association) Heating-induced magnetic-zenith effects observed with the EISCAT UHF incoherent scatter radar. With heating transmitting a left-handed circularly polarized pump beam towards magnetic zenith, the UHF radar was scanned in elevation in steps of 1.0 and 1.5∘ around magnetic zenith. The electron energy equation was integrated to model the electron temperature and associated electron heating rate and optimized to fit the plasma parameter values measured with the radar. The experimental and modelling results are consistent with pump wave propagation in the L mode in magnetic zenith, rather than in the O mode.

scholarly journals F-region electron density and <i>T<sub>e</sub> / T<sub>i</sub></i> measurements using incoherent scatter power data collected at ALTAIR

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 1333-1342 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Milla ◽  
E. Kudeki
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
Topside Ionosphere ◽  
Low Latitude ◽  
Aspect Angle ◽  
Incoherent Scatter ◽  
F Region ◽  
Regularized Inversion ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Resolution Electron ◽  
Low Latitude Ionosphere

Abstract. The ALTAIR UHF radar was used in an incoherent scatter experiment to observe the low-latitude ionosphere during the Equis 2 rocket campaign. The measurements provided the first high-resolution electron density maps of the low-latitude D- and E-region in the Pacific sector and also extended into the F-region and topside ionosphere. Although the sampling frequency was well below the Nyquist frequency of F-region returns, we were able to estimate Te / Ti ratio and infer unbiased electron density estimates using a regularized inversion technique described here. The technique exploits magnetic aspect angle dependence of ISR cross-section for Te>Ti.

scholarly journals Observations of time dependence and aspect sensitivity of regions of enhanced UHF backscatter associated with RF heating

2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. S. Dhillon ◽  
T. R. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Elevation Angle ◽  
High Amplitude ◽  
Radar System ◽  
Heating Facility ◽  
Subsequent Decrease ◽  
Time Histories ◽  
Constant Altitude ◽  
Coherent Radar ◽  
Uhf Radar ◽  
Field Aligned Irregularities

Abstract. The EISCAT incoherent radar system, which is collocated with the EISCAT heating facility, is used to diagnose the ionosphere while heating experiments are conducted. In late September 2002, an experiment was performed in which the heater transmitted a 2-min-on/2-min-off cycle while its pointing direction was kept fixed and the UHF beam was cycled through five pointing directions. This UHF cycle was used for three heater beam-pointing directions. For field-aligned heater beam and UHF pointing, UHF data indicated a gradual decrease, with time, in the altitude at which enhanced ion-line scatter occurred. This was accompanied by a reduction in the intensity of the scatter. For field-aligned heater pointing and the UHF elevation angle of 6° in the field-aligned direction, a persistent high-amplitude signature was observed, which remained at a fairly constant altitude throughout the period that the heater remained switched on. Different time histories of the backscatter amplitude were observed in other UHF pointing directions, including the "ion-line overshoot", which is characterized by an increase and subsequent decrease in the heater-enhanced backscatter just after heater switch-on. It is suggested that these signatures may be caused by the presence or absence of field-aligned irregularities and reduced recombination caused by heating. The CUTLASS coherent radar system, which operated simultaneously with the UHF radar and the heater, observed backscatter from field-aligned irregularities created by the heater. The intensity of this backscatter was highest from the regions of the ionosphere that were excited by the central part of the heater beam.

scholarly journals The dependence of plasma density in the topside ionosphere on the solar activity level

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1337-1343 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Liu ◽  
W. Wan ◽  
X. Yue ◽  
B. Zhao ◽  
B. Ning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Activity ◽  
Plasma Density ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Nonlinear Dependence ◽  
High Solar Activity ◽  
Topside Ionosphere ◽  
Ion Density ◽  
Solar Activity Level ◽  
F Region

Abstract. In this paper, the ten-year (1996–2005) total ion density Ni measurements from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) spacecraft in the morning and evening (09:30 and 21:30 LT) sectors have been analyzed to explore the dependence of plasma densities in the topside ionosphere at middle and low latitudes on the solar activity level. Results indicate that there is a strong solar activity dependence of DMSP Ni at 848 km altitude, which has latitudinal and seasonal features. The plasma density in the topside ionosphere has an approximately linear dependence on daily F107 and a strongly nonlinear dependence on SEM/SOHO EUV, such that the change rate of Ni becomes greater with increasing solar EUV. This is quite different from the dependence of Ni near the F-Region peak (NmF2), at which the rate of change of NmF2 decreases with increasing solar EUV. The rate of change of Ni at the DMSP altitude is greatest in the latitude range where Ni is greatest during high solar activity. We suggest that this greater rate of change (or amplification effect) of Ni at the DMSP altitude is mainly a consequence of the solar activity variations of the topside scale height. The changes in the height of the F-Region peak (hmF2) and the density NmF2 play a secondary role.

scholarly journals Multi-frequency HF radar measurements of artificial F-region field-aligned irregularities

2004 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 3503-3511 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Senior ◽  
N. D. Borisov ◽  
M. J. Kosch ◽  
T. K. Yeoman ◽  
F. Honary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wave Interaction ◽  
Operating Mode ◽  
Hf Radar ◽  
Heating Facility ◽  
F Region ◽  
Density Perturbations ◽  
Radar Measurements ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Power Measurements ◽  
Field Aligned Irregularities

Abstract. We present radar backscatter power measurements using the CUTLASS HF radar at Hankasalmi, Finland from F-region field-aligned irregularities induced by HF radio pumping with the EISCAT Heating facility. A novel radar operating mode is used in which the radar frequency is rapidly swept through a number of bands, making use of the varying ionospheric refraction to probe different heights within the heated region. We obtain height profiles of backscatter power which correspond to e-folding scale lengths of around 20km for the mean-square electron density perturbations for pump wave interaction heights in the region of 240-250km in daytime conditions. The results are in agreement with previous measurements made by other techniques. We discuss some problems with the method and suggest improvements for future experiments.

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