Ionospheric plasma irregularities inside the mid-latitude trough by using Swarm observations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiwen Liu ◽  
Chao Xiong ◽  
Xin Wan
Keyword(s):  
Ionospheric Plasma ◽  
Density Fluctuations ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Topside Ionosphere ◽  
Density Measurements ◽  
Plasma Irregularities ◽  
Electron Density And Temperature ◽  
Swarm Satellite ◽  
First Time

<p>The mid-latitude ionospheric trough (MIT) is a well-known feature in the topside ionosphere and plasmasphere. In this report, we investigated the plasma irregularities inside the MIT region based on the high-resolution (2 Hz) measurements of electron density and temperature from the Swarm satellite. We developed a method to automatically identify the mid-latitude trough from Swarm in-situ density measurements, and the small-scale irregularities inside MIT region can also be well determined by considering appropriate thresholds of both the relative (∆Ne/Ne) and absolute (∆Ne) density fluctuations. Further statistics has been performed based-on the multi-years database of identified MITs and irregularities from Swarm. Finally, we provided for the first time the seasonal and magnetic local time distributions of irregularities within the MIT region, and the involved plasma instabilities that cause the irregularities at the MIT region have been discussed.</p>

scholarly journals On the short-term variability of turbulence and temperature in the winter mesosphere

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 1099-1116
Author(s):  
Gerald A. Lehmacher ◽  
Miguel F. Larsen ◽  
Richard L. Collins ◽  
Aroh Barjatya ◽  
Boris Strelnikov
Keyword(s):  
Attitude Control ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Lower Thermosphere ◽  
Density Fluctuations ◽  
Large Temperature ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variability ◽  
Temperature Structure ◽  
Wind Shears

Abstract. Four mesosphere–lower thermosphere temperature and turbulence profiles were obtained in situ within ∼30 min and over an area of about 100 by 100 km during a sounding rocket experiment conducted on 26 January 2015 at Poker Flat Research Range in Alaska. In this paper we examine the spatial and temporal variability of mesospheric turbulence in relationship to the static stability of the background atmosphere. Using active payload attitude control, neutral density fluctuations, a tracer for turbulence, were observed with very little interference from the payload spin motion, and with high precision (<0.01 %) at sub-meter resolution. The large-scale vertical temperature structure was very consistent between the four soundings. The mesosphere was almost isothermal, which means more stratified, between 60 and 80 km, and again between 88 and 95 km. The stratified regions adjoined quasi-adiabatic regions assumed to be well mixed. Additional evidence of vertical transport and convective activity comes from sodium densities and trimethyl aluminum trail development, respectively, which were both observed simultaneously with the in situ measurements. We found considerable kilometer-scale temperature variability with amplitudes of 20 K in the stratified region below 80 km. Several thin turbulent layers were embedded in this region, differing in width and altitude for each profile. Energy dissipation rates varied between 0.1 and 10 mW kg−1, which is typical for the winter mesosphere. Very little turbulence was observed above 82 km, consistent with very weak small-scale gravity wave activity in the upper mesosphere during the launch night. On the other hand, above the cold and prominent mesopause at 102 km, large temperature excursions of +40 to +70 K were observed. Simultaneous wind measurements revealed extreme wind shears near 108 km, and combined with the observed temperature gradient, isolated regions of unstable Richardson numbers (0<Ri<0.25) were detected in the lower thermosphere. The experiment was launched into a bright auroral arc under moderately disturbed conditions (Kp∼5).

scholarly journals Stratification observed by the in situ plasma density measurements from the Swarm satellites

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 517-526
Author(s):  
Xiuying Wang ◽  
Wanli Cheng ◽  
Zihan Zhou ◽  
Dehe Yang ◽  
Jing Cui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Density ◽  
Continuous Distribution ◽  
Direct Analysis ◽  
Density Measurements ◽  
Equatorial Ionization Anomaly ◽  
Swarm Satellites ◽  
Plasma Peak ◽  
First Time ◽  
New Discovery

Abstract. The stratification phenomenon is investigated using the simultaneous in situ plasma density measurements obtained by the Swarm satellites orbiting at different altitudes above the F2 peak. For the first time, the continuous distribution morphology and the exact locations are obtained for the nighttime stratification, which show that the stratification events are centered at the EIA (equatorial ionization anomaly) trough and extend towards the two EIA crests, with the most significant part being located at the EIA trough. Another new discovery is the stratification in southern mid-latitudes; stratification events in this region are located on a local plasma peak sandwiched by two lower density strips covering all the longitudes. The formation mechanism of the stratification for the two latitudinal regions is discussed, but the stratification mechanism in southern mid-latitudes remains an unsolved problem. Highlights. This paper addresses the following: first application of in situ plasma densities for the direct analysis of the stratification in F2 layer, refined features of the exact location and continuous morphology for the stratification phenomenon, a new discovery of stratification covering all longitudes in southern mid-latitudes.

scholarly journals Ionospheric Plasma Density Measurements by Swarm Langmuir Probes: Limitations and possible Corrections

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piero Diego ◽  
Igino Coco ◽  
Igor Bertello ◽  
Maurizio Candidi ◽  
Pietro Ubertini
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
Ionospheric Plasma ◽  
Operating Mode ◽  
Plasma Sheath ◽  
Langmuir Probes ◽  
Plasma Parameters ◽  
Density Measurements ◽  
Voltage Ripple ◽  
Electron Density And Temperature ◽  
Ionospheric Plasma Density

Abstract. The ESA Swarm constellation includes three satellites, which have been observing the Earth's ionosphere since November 2013, following polar orbits. The main ionospheric plasma parameters, such as electron density and temperature, are measured by means of Langmuir probes (Lps); electron density measurements, in particular, are nowadays largely considered as qualitatively reliable, and have been used in several published papers to date. In this work, we aim to discuss how some technical characteristics of Swarm Lps, such as their size and location on board the satellites, as well as the operational setup of the instruments, could lead to limitations in their accuracy if one underestimates the influence of satellite proximity, and the larger extension of the plasma sheath surrounding the probes due to the operational point of the voltage ripple. Two specific corrections are proposed for the assessment and possible mitigation of such effects. Finally, a comparison is made with electron density measurements from CSES-01 mission, which relies on Langmuir probes as well, whose geometry and operating mode are standard.

scholarly journals Stratification observed by the in situ measurements from the Swarm satellites

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuying Wang ◽  
Wanli Cheng ◽  
Zihan Zhou ◽  
Dehe Yang ◽  
Jing Cui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Unsolved Problem ◽  
Continuous Distribution ◽  
Density Measurements ◽  
Equatorial Ionization Anomaly ◽  
Swarm Satellites ◽  
Plasma Peak ◽  
First Time ◽  
Different Altitudes ◽  
New Discovery

Abstract. Stratification phenomenon is investigated using the simultaneous in situ plasma density measurements obtained by the Swarm satellites orbiting at different altitudes above F2 peak. For the first time, the continuous distribution morphology and the exact locations are obtained for the nighttime stratification, which show that the stratification events are centered at the EIA (equatorial ionization anomaly) trough and extend towards the two EIA crests with the most significant part being located at the EIA trough. Another new discovery is the stratification in southern mid-latitudes; stratification events in this region are located on a local plasma peak sandwiched by two lower density strips covering all the longitudes. The formation mechanism of the stratification for the two latitudinal regions is discussed, but the stratification mechanism in southern mid-latitudes remains an unsolved problem.

scholarly journals Simultaneous in situ measurements of small-scale structures in neutral, plasma, and atomic oxygen densities during WADIS sounding rocket project

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris Strelnikov ◽  
Martin Eberhart ◽  
Martin Friedrich ◽  
Jonas Hedin ◽  
Mikhail Khaplanov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Waves ◽  
Atomic Oxygen ◽  
Density Fluctuations ◽  
Sounding Rocket ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Scale Structures ◽  
Small Scale Structures ◽  
Mlt Region ◽  
Diffusion Properties

Abstract. In this paper we present an overview of measurements conducted during the WADIS-2 rocket campaign. We investigate the effect of small-scale processes like gravity waves and turbulence on the distribution of atomic oxygen and other species in the MLT region. Our analysis suggests that density fluctuations of atomic oxygen are coupled to fluctuations of other constituents, i.e., plasma and neutrals. Our measurements show that all measured quantities, including winds, densities, and temperatures, reveal signatures of both waves and turbulence. We show observations of gravity wave saturation and breakdown together with simultaneous measurements of generated turbulence. Atomic oxygen inside turbulence layers shows two different spectral behaviors, which might imply change of its diffusion properties.

scholarly journals Ionospheric Plasma Irregularities Based on In Situ Measurements From the Swarm Satellites

2020 ◽  
Vol 125 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaqi Jin ◽  
Chao Xiong ◽  
Lasse Clausen ◽  
Andres Spicher ◽  
Daria Kotova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ionospheric Plasma ◽  
In Situ Measurements ◽  
Plasma Irregularities ◽  
Swarm Satellites

GEOTECHNICAL ASPECTS OF FOUNDATION INVESTIGATIONS FOR PRODUCTION PLATFORMS AT NORTH RANKIN

1980 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 257
Author(s):  
R.W. King
Keyword(s):  
Load Test ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Foundation Design ◽  
The North ◽  
Limited Experience ◽  
Load Tests ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Petroleum Development ◽  
First Time

Production platforms required for the development of the North Rankin gas/condensate field will be founded on deep deposits of loose to weakly cemented calcareous material of predominantly marine origin. Although the data base for foundation design in these materials is extremely limited, experience has shown that calcareous sediments exhibit unusual engineering characteristics and that in situ load tests appear to be the most reliable indicator of soil-bearing potential.The foundation investigations performed at North Rankin, in 1978, integrated conventional soil sampling techniques with cone penetrometer testing (CPT), which is a small-scale load test that provides a semicontinuous profile of soil resistance. This being the first time that CPT had been used extensively in calcareous sediments, a series of innovative prototype in situ load tests were performed to provide data for calibration of the core resistance profile.A modified carbonate classification system was introduced into the programme and, together with detailed geological analysis of specimens, it provided an insight into subtle variations in lithology and cementation throughout the profile.These new developments and the comprehensive nature of the investigation produced a large amount of data that are relevant to other locations where similar sediments exist.As a result of these investigations and subsequent studies, Woodside Petroleum Development has been able to progress confidently in the definition of a suitable foundation system and the design of the North Rankin platforms.

scholarly journals Small-scale structures in neutrals and charged aerosol particles as observed during the ECOMA/MASS rocket campaign

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 1449-1456 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Strelnikov ◽  
M. Rapp ◽  
I. Strelnikova ◽  
N. Engler ◽  
R. Latteck
Keyword(s):  
Doppler Radar ◽  
Companion Paper ◽  
Density Fluctuations ◽  
Lapse Rate ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Turbulence Energy ◽  
Turbulence Measurements ◽  
Charged Aerosols ◽  
Schmidt Numbers

Abstract. We present results of in situ measurements of neutral temperature during the ECOMA/MASS rocket campaign. We present and compare results of turbulence measurements conducted simultaneously by both in situ and doppler radar techniques. We show that the derived values of the turbulence energy dissipation rates are similar on average. We also find a region with a near adiabatic lapse rate with turbulence detected at the upper and lower edge. We note that it is consistent with expectation for a Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. We also present an estimate of the Schmidt numbers, Sc, for the charged aerosols that utilizes in situ measured small-scale density fluctuations of charged aerosols and both in situ and radar turbulence measurements. The derived Schmidt numbers fall within the range between 100 and 4500. This result agrees with previous estimates based on multi-frequency observations of PMSE (Rapp et al., 2008) and also with estimates of microphysical parameters presented in the companion paper by Rapp et al. (2009).

scholarly journals Ionospheric plasma irregularities studied with Swarm satellites

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 ◽  
pp. 01009
Author(s):  
Wojciech J. Miloch ◽  
Yaqi Jin ◽  
Chao Xiong ◽  
Guram Kervalishvili ◽  
Andres Spicher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ionospheric Plasma ◽  
Ionospheric Irregularities ◽  
Global Studies ◽  
Gps Receiver ◽  
Magnetic Field Data ◽  
Plasma Irregularities ◽  
Swarm Satellites ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Level 2

To study and characterise the ionospheric plasma irregularities at all latitudes, one can employ in-situ measurements by satellites in polar orbits, such as the European Space Agency’s Swarm mission. Based on the Swarm data, we have developed the Ionospheric Plasma IRregularities (IPIR) product for a global characterisation of ionospheric irregularities along the satellite track at all latitudes. This new Level-2 data product combines complementary datasets from the Swarm satellites: the electron density from the electric field instrument, the GPS data from the onboard GPS receiver, and the magnetic field data from the onboard magnetometers. This can be used as a new tool for global studies of ionospheric irregularities and turbulence.

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