Baseline high-latitude ionospheric parameters and field-aligned ion motion

摘要

Establishing baseline values for ionospheric parameters allows for the identification of special events and comparison of events that occur at different magnetic local times, seasons, or solar cycle phases. Variations in average electron densities, ion and electron temperatures, and ion velocities between 100 and 800 km altitude are determined from Svalbard and Sondrestrom radar data. Despite their similar geomagnetic latitudes, Svalbard and Sondrestrom are found to measure significantly different populations. The average ion flux and ion, electron and plasma pressures can be calculated from the measured quantities. The primary location for upward moving ions is the dayside noon region, where the cusp can be expected. The role of plasma pressure is discussed.