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Major upwelling and overturning in the mid-latitude F region ionosphere

Author

Listed:
  • David Hysell

    (Cornell University)

  • Miguel Larsen

    (Clemson University)

  • David Fritts

    (GATS Inc.)

  • Brian Laughman

    (GATS Inc.)

  • Michael Sulzer

    (Arecibo Radio Observatory HC 3)

Abstract

Profiles of the electron number density in the ionosphere are observed at the Arecibo Radio Observatory in Puerto Rico on a regular basis. Here, we report on recent observations showing anomalous irregularities in the density profiles at altitudes >~300 km. The irregularities occurred during a period of “mid-latitude spread F,” a space-weather phenomenon relatively common at middle latitudes in summer months characterized by instability and electron density irregularities in the bottomside of the ionospheric F layer. Remarkably, electron density irregularities extended well above the layer, through the ionization peak and into the topside which is regarded as being stable. Neither the neutral atmosphere nor the ionosphere is thought to be able to support turbulence locally at this altitude. A numerical simulation is used to illustrate how a combination of atmospheric and plasma dynamics driven at lower altitudes could explain the phenomenon.

Suggested Citation

  • David Hysell & Miguel Larsen & David Fritts & Brian Laughman & Michael Sulzer, 2018. "Major upwelling and overturning in the mid-latitude F region ionosphere," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-05809-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05809-x
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