Postsunrise refilling of the low-latitude topside ionosphere

Burke, W. J. ; Sagalyn, R. C. ; Rastogi, R. G. ; Ahmed, M. ; Rich, F. J. ; Donatelli, D. E. ; Wildman, P. J. L. (1979) Postsunrise refilling of the low-latitude topside ionosphere Journal of Geophysical Research - A: Space Physics, 84 (A8). pp. 4201-4206. ISSN 0196-6928

Full text not available from this repository.

Official URL: http://www.agu.org/pubs/crossref/1979/JA084iA08p04...

Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/JA084iA08p04201

Abstract

Plasma density measurements from a polar-orbiting Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellite at 840 km have shown the existence of significant plasma depletions near the magnetic equator in the postsunrise hours. The phenomenon is observed regularly during magnetically quiet times near the equinoxes. The magnitude of the depletion depends upon longitude and the time elapsed since sunrise in the lower F region. It is significantly less pronounced or absent near the solstices. During magnetically active periods the low-latitude topside ionosphere is modified due to vertical E × B plasma drifts in the predawn sector. The quiet time equinox observations are interpreted in terms of a diurnal flux tube filling model. It is suggested that the observed equatorial depletions result from a pair of plasma fronts that are moving upward from conjugate ionospheres and that are associated with the early stages of the postsunrise refilling process.

Item Type:Article
Source:Copyright of this article belongs to American Geophysical Union.
ID Code:45852
Deposited On:29 Jun 2011 06:49
Last Modified:29 Jun 2011 06:49

Repository Staff Only: item control page