Kilometer-scale layered structures inside spread-F

Citation
Jd. Mathews et al., Kilometer-scale layered structures inside spread-F, GEOPHYS R L, 28(22), 2001, pp. 4167-4170
Citations number
14
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Earth Sciences
Journal title
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
ISSN journal
0094-8276 → ACNP
Volume
28
Issue
22
Year of publication
2001
Pages
4167 - 4170
Database
ISI
SICI code
0094-8276(20011115)28:22<4167:KLSIS>2.0.ZU;2-9
Abstract
We report the first incoherent scatter radar observations-made at Arecibo O bservatory-of remarkable bottom-side (< 280 km) F-region sheet-like plasma structures with. horizontal/vertical-scales of less than or similar to1 km. These structures are an apparent manifestation of spread-F, appear to give rise to VHF coherent (FAI) scattering, and are clearly electrodynamic in o rigin involving a form of the Perkins spread-F instability process in the p resence of relatively large E-fields and horizontal plasma gradients. The n et instability process appears to be associated with downwelling features c haracteristic of the nighttime F-region. These structures-that may be self- similar on scales of similar to1-100 km-indicate considerable electrodynami c activity in the mid-latitude F-region on scales that have profound space- weather implications especially regarding deep scintillations on earth-spac e communications links.