Dynamics of Small and Large Scale Irregularities at Sub-Auroral Latitudes

摘要

In order to study the dynamics of ionospheric F-layer irregularities at latitudes below the auroral oval, radio, optical, and incoherent scatter observations were initiated primarily in the region of 75 degrees W longitude. In addition earlier observations including in-situ satellite measurements were used, The principal conclusions were first that the sub-auroral ionospheric observations could be understood by correlating F-layer irregularities with ring current intensities as measured by Dst, the magnetic field measurement made near the magnetic equator. Sub-auroral irregularities which affect HF communications and over the horizon observations last over several nights while the ring current recovers from an injection of ions during a magnetic storm. The second conclusion made possible from local observations of Stable Auroral Red (SAR) Arcs and by Millstone Hill incoherent scatter data is that the weaker SAR Arcs detected are important in determining the physics of the generation of these emissions.