Ionospheric Plasma Drift and Structure Studies at High and Mid-Latitudes. Volume1

摘要

Ground-based observations of the high latitude ionosphere with Digisonde soundersat Quaanaaq, Sondrestrom, Goose Bay, Argentina and Millstone Hill provide a description of the patch structure and the convection pattern in the polar cap. Correlation analysis of observed F-region plasma drifts with the orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field (measured by IMP8) lead to a new technique of deducing the signs of Bz and By from the measured drifts. Real time calculation of the plasma drift was successfully introduced at one of the Digisonde stations (Sondrestrom) providing the possibility of determining the IMF components in real time. Analysis of mid-latitude trough observation shows large westward velocities in the trough region. Digisonde data from Quaanaaq and DMSP F8 and F9 satellite data showed the development of the ionospheric polar hole.