Ionospheric response to geomagnetic disturbances in the north-eastern region of Asia during the minimum of 23rd cycle of solar activity

We present the results of studies of the subauroral and mid-latitude ionosphere variations in the north-eastern region of Asia. We used the data from network of vertical and oblique-incidence sounding ionosondes and optical measurements. Long-term experiments on the radio paths Magadan–Irkutsk and Norilsk–Irkutsk were carried out within the period 2005–2007. Vertical sounding stations operated in standard regime. Observation of airglow near Irkutsk was provided by the zenith photometer that measured intensities of 557.7 and 630.0 nm atomic oxygen emissions. The results may be summarized as follows. (1) Large daytime negative disturbances are observed during the main and recovery phases mainly at high latitudes, whereas the positive disturbances observed during the main phase at mid latitudes. The disturbances changed their sign between Yakutsk and Irkutsk. (2) During the main and recovery storm phases the fall of foF2 associated with the equatorward wall of the main ionospheric trough is observed in the afternoon and evening. (3) Fluctuations of the electron density more intensive at mid latitudes during the storm main phase are observed during all considered periods. They are classed as traveling ionospheric disturbances (TID). Such sharp gradients of electron density are responsible for the strong changes in the characteristics of the radio wave propagation, particularity MOF. (4) A large-scale ionospheric disturbance is noted at the meridional chain of ionosonds in December 2006 as the sharp increase of foF2. It appears in the evening in the minimum of D_st at high latitude and propagate to equator. (5) A maximum of 630 nm emission above Irkutsk corresponds to the foF2 increase. (6) The obtained experimental data on the net of vertical and oblique-incidence sounding with high time resolution show that such net is the effective facility to study the conditions of the radio wave propagation and can be used for the diagnostic of the ionosphere.     

Configuration of the upper boundary of the ionosphere

Variations of the upper boundary of the ionosphere (UBI) are investigated based on three sources of information: (i) ionosonde-derived parameters: critical frequency foF2, propagation factor M3000F2, and sub-peak thickness of the bottomside electron density profile; (ii) total electron content (TEC) observations from signals of the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites; (iii) model electron densities of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI^*) extended towards the plasmasphere. The ionospheric slab thickness is calculated as ratio of TEC to the F2 layer peak electron density, NmF2, representing a measure of thickness of electron density profile in the bottomside and topside ionosphere eliminating the plasmaspheric slab thickness of GPS-TEC with the IRI^* code. The ratio of slab thickness to the real thickness in the topside ionosphere is deduced making use of a similar ratio in the bottomside ionosphere with a weight Rw. Model weight Rw is represented as a superposition of the base-functions of local time, geomagnetic latitude, solar and magnetic activity. The time-space variations of domain of convergence of the ionosphere and plasmasphere differ from an average value of UBI at ∼1000 km over the earth. Analysis for quiet monthly average conditions and during the storms (September 2002, October–November 2003, November 2004) has shown shrinking UBI altitude at daytime to 400 km. The upper ionosphere height is increased by night with an ‘ionospheric tail’ which expands from 1000 km to more than 2000 km over the earth under quiet and disturbed space weather. These effects are interposed on a trend of increasing UBI height with solar activity when both the critical frequency foF2 and the peak height hmF2 are growing during the solar cycle.     

Results of Russian experiments dealing with the impact of powerful HF radiowaves on the high-latitude ionosphere using the EISCAT facilities

We present the results of complex experiments dealing with the impact of powerful HF radiowaves on the high-latitude ionosphere using the European Incoherent Scatter Scientific Association (EISCAT) facilities. During the ionospheric F-region heating by powerful extraordinary (X-mode) polarized HF radiowaves under the conditions of heating near the critical f _H frequency f _H ≈ f _x F2 of the extraordinary wave of the F2-layer, we were first to detect the excitation of intense artificial small-scale ionospheric irregularities (ASIs), accompanied by electron temperature increases by approximately 50%. The results of coordinated satellite and ground-based observations of the powerful HF radiowave impact on the high-latitude ionosphere are considered. During ionospheric F-region heating by powerful HF radiowaves of ordinary polarization (O-mode) during evening hours, the phenomenon of ion outflow accompanied by electron temperature increases and thermal plasma expansion was revealed. Concurrent DMSP-F15 satellite measurements at a height of about 850 km indicate an O⁺ ion density increase. The CHAMP satellite observations identified ULF emissions at the modulation frequency (3 Hz) of the powerful HF radiowave, generated during modulated emissions of the powerful HF radiowave of O-polarization and accompanied by a substantial increase in the electron temperature and ASI generation.     

Radar observations of ionospheric irregularities at Syowa Station, Antarctica: a brief overview

We briefly overview the radar observations that have been made for 30 years at Syowa Station, Antarctica for studying small-scale electron-density irregularities in the southern high-latitude E- and F-region ionosphere. Some observational results (i.e., long-term variations of radio aurora, Doppler spectra with narrow spectral widths and low Doppler velocities, and simultaneous observations of radar and optical auroras) from VHP radars capable of detecting 1.3- to 3-m scale irregularities are presented. A new 50-MHz radar system equipped with phased-antenna arrays began operation in February 1995 to observe two-dimensional behaviors of E-region irregularities. An HF radar experiment also began in February 1995 to explore decameter-scale E- and F-region irregularities in the auroral zone and polar cap. These two radars will contribute to a better understanding of the ionospheric irregularities and ionospheric physics at southern high latitudes.     

Possibility of ground observations of electron spin-flip radiation from lowerE-region electrons

Summary Landovitz & Marshall (¹) have suggested a maserlike mechanism to explain the decameter emission from the Jovian ionosphere. Although the application of the suggested mechanism for emission outwards into space from our planet is obvious, it is our purpose to show that if this mechanism is indeed operative, emission of electron spin-flip radiation from the electrons in the lower part of theE-region is also possible. An order of magnitude estimate predicts that thisE-region radiation which travels downward can be observed by ground receivers.     

Critical frequency foF2 as an indicator of trends in thermospheric dynamics

Variations with time during recent decades of three parameters are considered. R(foF2) is the correlation coefficient between the nighttime and daytime values of foF2 within the same day. Stable trends are found for minimal (R(foF2)(min)) and maximal (R(foF2)(max)) values of R(foF2) over the year. The foF2(day)/foF2(night) ratio demonstrates both negative and positive trends; the sign of the trend being governed by the inclination I and declination D of the magnetic field. The correlation coefficient r(h,fo) between foF2 and the 100-hPa level in the stratosphere demonstrates a decrease (both, for the years of maximum and minimum solar activity) from the 1980s to the 1990s. The trends in all three groups of data are considered in the scope of an assumption that there is a long-term change in the circulation in the upper atmosphere. The data considered in the paper provide an indirect confirmation of the existence of this change and show the possibility that further studies of the thermospheric dynamics can be undertaken using ground-based ionospheric observations.     

Trends in the F2 ionospheric layer due to long-term variations in the Earth's magnetic field

The Earth's magnetic field presents long-term variations with changes in strength and orientation. Particularly, changes in the dip angle (I) and, consequently, in the sin(I)cos(I) factor, affect the thermospheric neutral winds that move the conducting plasma of the ionosphere. In this way, a lowering or lifting of the F2-peak (hmF2) is induced together with changes in foF2, depending on season, time and location. A simple theoretical approximation, developed in a previous work, is extended to a worldwide latitude–longitude grid to assess hmF2 and foF2 trends due to Earth's magnetic field secular variations. Compared to the greenhouse gases effects over the ionosphere, the Earth's magnetic field may be able to produce stronger trends which vary with season, time and location. However, to elucidate the origin of F2-region trends, long-term variations in the three possible known mechanisms should be considered altogether—greenhouse gases, geomagnetic activity and Earth's magnetic field.     

Localized packets of acoustic gravity waves in the ionosphere

Using mass-spectrometric measurement data from the Dynamics Explorer 2 satellite, we investigated the distribution of medium-scale acoustic gravity waves (AGWs) at altitudes of the F-region of the ionosphere. It is shown that the planetary field of AGWs contains a regular and a sporadic component. The regular distribution of AGWs involves active polar areas (where the ionosphere is highly disturbed) and a relatively calm equatorial area. Sporadic AGWs are isolated and spatially localized wave packets that are distinguished against the background of the regular distribution of the wave field. We generated a directory containing observations of sporadic AGW for the period January–February 1983 and performed a statistical analysis of their relation to earthquakes.     

A study of the noont critical frequencies of theE andF1 layers of the ionosphere

Summary The mean monthly noon critical frequencies of theE andF1 layers of the ionosphere at a number of stations in different latitudes and their variation with sunspot number have been studied in this paper. It is found that while theE layer approximates to a chapman region, theF1 layer is markedly affected by other agenices, somewhat similar toF2. In high sunspot years,foF1 shows two maxima at middle latitudes with a minimum at the equator.     

A newF-layer model

Summary The model originally constructed for theF1-layer is adapted to enable an investigation of both theF-layers. Essential premises are: The ionization of a single constituent of atmosphere by monochromatic radiation. A positive temperature gradient in theFl-region, a temperature—independent from height—in theF2-region and a negative temperature gradient above the height of theF2-electron-peak; furthermore during the daytime strong heating in theF2-region. It is further assumed that the rate of electron loss in theF1-layer is proportional to the square of the density of the electrons, and in theF2-layer is in simple proportion to this density. It is also assumed that this electron loss stands in proportion to the powerk of the pressurep, and to the powern of the absolute temperatureT, as assumed in the originalF1-layer model.The above mentioned assumption as to temperature conditions are essential to an understanding of the transition from static to dynamic conditions observed in theF2-layer. During the night and in the morning theF2-layer can be treated as a static problem, movement of air-masses being of no great importance. Later in the day however an labile stratification of air-masses gives rise to such movement that theF2-layer can only be handled as a dynamic problem, particular attention being paid to the movement of the air.Numerous observational data are referred to in order to prove the practicability of the new model and, with the help of this model, to justify new assertions. It has been possible for example, to calculate the yearly temperature variation at a constant level in theF1-layer.A critical report upon the models published recently by other authors concludes this paper.

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Zusammenfassung Das seinerzeit nur für dieF1-Schicht aufgestellte Modell wird so erweitert, daß eine Deutung beiderF-Schichten möglich wird. Wesentliche Voraussetzungen sind: Ionisierung eines einzigen Bestandteiles der Luft durch eine monochromatische Strahlung. Ein positiver Temperaturgradient im Bereich derF1-Schicht, eine höhen-unabhängige Temperatur im Bereich derF2-Schicht und ein negativer Temperaturgradient oberhalb des Ionisationsmaximum, derF2-Schicht. Weiters wird vorausgesetzt, daß der Elektronenvernichtungsprozeß in derF1-Schicht dem Quadrat der Elektronendichte proportional sei, in derF2-Schicht soll er dagegen der Elektronendichte einfach proportional sein. Eine Abhängigkeit dieses Prozesses von derk-ten Potenz des Druckes,p und von dern-ten Potenz der absoluten TemperaturT wird hier vom ursprünglichenF1-Schicht-Modell übernommen.Erst die genannten Annahmen über die Temperaturverhältnisse machen den beobachteten Übergang von statischen zu dynamischen Verhältnissen in derF2-Schicht verständlich. Während der Nacht und am Morgen bis in die ersten Vormittagsstunden kann dieF2-Schicht als statisches Problem behandelt werden, die Bewegungsvorgänge der Luftmassen spielen eine nur untergeordnete Rolle. Darnach aber ruft eine labile Schichtung der Luftmassen kräftige Luftbewegungen hervor, sodaß dieF2-Schicht nur mehr als dynamisches Problem mit besonderer Berücksichtigung von Luftmassenverschiebungen behandelt werden kann.Zahlreiche Beobachtungsdaten werden herangezogen, um die Anwendbarkeit des neuen Modells zu beweisen und um mit Hilfe des Modells zu neuen Aussagen zu gelangen. Es gelingt so z. B., den Jahresgang der Temperatur in einem konstant gehaltenen Druckniveau derF1-Schicht anzugeben.Eine kritische Betrachtung der Modelle, die in letzterer Zeit von anderen Autoren veröffentlicht wurden, beschließt die Arbeit.

     

Structural features of the subauroral ionosphere during the origination of the polarization jet

Narrow jets of rapid westward ion drifts were registered near the plasmapause projection at the F-region altitudes on the Cosmoc-184 satellite and were called “a polarization jet.” In this work, the effect of this polarization jet on the ionospheric structure has been studied, using a three-dimensional model of the high-latitude ionosphere, when strong local magnetospheric electric fields were originated. The calculations indicated that a narrow trough in the latitudinal variations in the electron density at the F-region maximum was formed in the zone where the electric field was switched on. This trough was more pronounced in the early evening hours, when the electron background density was still high, and was less distinct at low back-ground levels during premidnight hours. A comparison of the calculations and experimental data indicated that they were in good agreement with one another, which made it possible to state that the polarization jet was the main mechanism by which narrow electron density troughs were formed in the subauroral ionosphere.     

Results of foF2 and Ne-h profiles at low latitude using recent digital ionosonde observations and their comparison with IRI-2000

Using digital ionosonde observations at low-latitude station, Delhi (28.6 N, 77.2 E, mag. dip 42.4 N), the diurnal and seasonal variations of the critical frequency of F2 layer (foF2) are analyzed from August 2000 to July 2001 during a high solar activity period. Also, noontime bottomside electron density (Ne-h) profiles, below the F2-peak, are derived from ionogram, using the POLAN (Report UAG-93, WDC-A, for Solar Terrestrial Physics, Boulder, Co.) program during the same period, and these profiles are then normalized to the peak height and density (hmF2, NmF2) of the F2-region. These observations are used to assess the predictability of the International Reference Ionosphere, IRI-2000 model (Radio Sc. 36(2) (2001) 261). Results show in general, a large variability, (1σ, σ is standard deviation), in foF2 during nighttime than daytime during winter and equinox, the variability of foF2 about the mean is about ±25% by night and ±15% by day. The IRI model shows a fairly good agreement with foF2 observations during daytime, however during nighttime, the discrepancies between the two exist. Comparative studies of the normalized observed profiles with those obtained with the IRI model (Bilitza, 2001) using both the options namely: Gulyaeva's (Adv. Space Res. 7 (1987) 39) model and B0-Table (Adv. Space Res. 25(1) (2000) 89), show that during all the seasons, in general, the B0-Tab option, reveals a better agreement with the observations, while the IRI model using Gulyaeva's option, overestimates the electron density distribution during summer and equinox, however, during winter, the model is close to the observations. The comparisons of average profile shape parameters (B0,B1) derived from noontime observed profiles, with those obtained, using B0-Tab option, in the IRI model, show a good agreement during all the seasons. However, B0, B1 obtained, using Gulyaeva's option in the IRI model, show a disagreement with the derived B0, B1 values during all the seasons, except during winter, for B0 parameter.     

Equatorial night-time F-region zonal electric fields

Night-time F-region vertical electrodynamic drifts at the magnetic equatorial station, Trivandrum are obtained for a period of 2 years, 1989 and 1990 (corresponding to solar cycle maximum epoch), using ionosonde h^‘F data. The seasonal variation of the vertical drift is found to be associated with the longitudinal gradients of the thermospheric zonal wind. Further, the seasonal variation of the prereversal enhancement of the vertical drift is associated with the time difference between the sunset times of the conjugate E-regions (magnetic field line linked to F-region) which is indicative of the longitudinal gradients of the conductivity (of the E-region). The vertical drifts and the causative zonal electric fields at Trivandrum are compared with those at Jicamarca and F-region zonal electric field models. It is seen that the night-time downward drift (as also the causative westward electric field) at Jicamarca is greater than that at Trivandrum. The prereversal enhancement of the drift is greater at Jicamarca than at Trivandrum during the summer and the equinoxes, whereas during the winter the opposite is the case.     

Height profiles of the amplitudes of large-scale traveling ionospheric disturbances

Nighttime height profiles of the amplitudes of large-scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (LSTIDs) obtained from the data of vertical sounding in Almaty (76°55′ E, 43°15′ N) for the period 2000–2007 are analyzed. The height profiles are plotted using the time variations in electron density N _h (t) at a series of heights for the F region in the ionosphere with a height step of 10 km. In total, observations were conducted during 1166 nights, among which 581 nights are characterized by wave activity. Nights with the maximum amplitude of variations in N _h (t) exceeding 25% are selected for analysis. The total number of such nights is 63; LSTIDs have been recorded in both magnetically quiet and active periods. The regressive ratios between the height of the F-region maximum and the height that corresponds to the maximum absolute amplitude of a wave, as well as between the values of the maximum amplitude at a height profile and the value of the amplitude of variations in N _m F(t) at the layer maximum, are obtained.     

Formation mechanisms of the midlatitudinal <Emphasis Type="Italic">NmF2</Emphasis> semiannual anomaly under daytime quiet geomagnetic conditions at low solar activity

The F-region peak electron densities NmF2 measured during daytime quiet geomagnetic conditions at low solar activity on January 22, 2008, April 8, 1997, July 12, 1986, and October 26, 1995, are compared. Ionospheric parameters are measured by the ionosonde and incoherent scatter radar at Millstone Hill and calculated with the use of a 1D nonstationary ionosphere–plasmasphere model of number densities and temperatures of electrons and ions at middle geomagnetic latitudes. The formation of the semiannual anomaly of the midlatitudinal NmF2 under daytime quiet geomagnetic conditions at low solar activity is studied. The study shows that the semiannual NmF2 anomaly occurs due to the total impact of three main causes: seasonal variations in the velocity of plasma drift along the geomagnetic field due to the corresponding variations in the components of the neutral wind velocity; seasonal variations in the composition and temperature of the neutral atmosphere; and the dependence of the solar zenith angle on a number of the day in the year at the same solar local time.     

Analytical Solution of Direct and Inverse Problems in the Internal Gravity Waves Studies by the Doppler Frequency Shift Method

An analytical solution of direct and inverse problems arising in the study of the internal gravity waves (IGWs) dynamic via recording of the Doppler frequency shift, is presented. The direct problem is to determine the response of the Doppler shift to IGWs in the region of the radio wave reflection point; the inverse problem is the determination of IGW parameters from data on the Doppler frequency shift. Solutions were obtained in an approximation of the isothermal ionosphere for the heights of the F-region. They are presented in a form convenient for their practical use and can have a wide range of applications, including the detection of soliton-like wave structures in the F-region of the ionosphere.     

赤道地区电离层foF2在第23/24太阳活动周极低年期间创造了极低纪录?

太阳辐射是电离层的电离源,强烈地调制电离层的变化.探索不同太阳辐射水平下的电离层状态,有助于认识电离层演变及其内在的基本物理过程.太阳活动在2008—2009年处于有记录以来的极低水平,研究电离层在此期间的变化及与其它太阳活动低年的差异是一个有益的课题.本文利用位于美洲扇区磁赤道地区Jicamarca台站(12.0°S, 283.2°E; dip 0.28°)测高仪观测的电离层F2层临界频率foF2数据探讨赤道地区foF2的行为.分别对第22/23太阳活动周低年(1996—1997)和第23/24活动周低年(2008—2009)的月中值、季节中值和滑动年均值进行分析,确认相比上一个太阳低年而言,在2008—2009年foF2滑动年均值和不同季节中值在各个地方时均降低,而月中值存在降低和升高.对foF2的时间尺度特性的分析发现,在本太阳周低年foF2长时间尺度分量下降,而短时间尺度分量呈现不一致的变化.我们认为,现有文献报道给出2008—2009年与以往太阳活动低年对比结果不一致有可能归因于所用分析方法关注的时间尺度不相同.     

Equatorial ionization anomaly and thermospheric meridional winds during two major storms over Brazilian low latitudes

The equatorial ionosphere responses over Brazil to two intense magnetic storms that occurred during 2001 are investigated. The equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) and variations in the zonal electric field and meridional winds at different storms phases are studied using data collected by digisondes and GPS receivers. The difference between the F layer peak density (foF2) at an equatorial and a low latitude sites was used to quantify the EIA; while the difference between the true heights (h_F) at the equatorial and an off-equatorial site was used to calculate the magnetic meridional winds. The vertical drift was calculated as dh_F/dt. The results show prompt penetration electric fields causing unusual early morning development of the EIA, and disturbed dynamo electric field producing significant modification in the F region parameters. Variations to different degrees in the vertical drift, the thermospheric meridional winds and the EIA developments were observed depending on the storm phases.     

Large-scale disturbances of auroral origin during strong magnetic storms of October 29–31, 2003, and November 7–11, 2004, according to the data of the GPS network and ionosondes

The intensity of large-scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (LS TIDs), registered according to measurements of the total electron content (TEC) during the magnetic storms of October 29–31, 2003, and November 7–11, 2004, has been compared with that of local electron density disturbances. The data of TEC measurements at ground-based GPS receivers located near the ionospheric stations and the corresponding values of the critical frequency of the ionospheric F region (foF2) were used for this purpose. The variations in TEC and foF2 were similar for all events mentioned above. The previous assumption that the region of thickness 150–200 km in the vicinity of the ionospheric F region mainly contributes to TEC modulation was confirmed for the cases when the electron density disturbance at an F region maximum was not more than 50%. However, this region probably becomes more extensive in vertical when the electron density disturbance in the vicinity of the ionospheric F region is about 85%.     

Longitudinal statistics of plasma bubbles observed as He+ density depletions at altitudes of the topside ionosphere

This work presents a new examination of the hypothesis regarding the equatorial origin of low He⁺ density plasma depletions (or subtroughs). For this purpose, we have conducted a detailed comparative analysis of longitudinal variations in the occurrence probabilities of subtroughs in both hemispheres and variations in the occurrence probabilities of equatorial F-region irregularities (EFIs), equatorial spread F (RFS and ESF), and equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs). Taking into consideration the seasonal dependence and some peculiarities of magnetic field variations in different hemispheres, a conclusion has been reached regarding the similarity between longitudinal statistical occurrences of subtroughs and equatorial ionospheric F-region irregularities. In addition, another piece of evidence in favor of the similarity of the nature of the above-mentioned phenomena has been obtained. We have got a confirmation once again that low He⁺ density depletions (or subtroughs) can be rightfully considered as equatorial plasma “bubbles,” which can be observed at altitudes of the topside ionosphere as depletions in the He⁺ density.