The global morphology of irregularities in the topside ionosphere,as measured by the total ion current probe on ESRO-4

The total ion current probe on the satellite ESRO-4 monitored thermal plasma density variations in the range ± 30% of ambient density with a spatial resolution of about 1.5 km. Latitudinal, diurnal, and altitudinal characteristics of density irregularities in the topside ionosphere have been investigated using the 2 × 10⁸ total ion current values recorded during the lifetime of the satellite. Dominating the morphology of topside irregularities is the high-latitude zone evident throughout the day, with the appearance of a distinct sub-auroral zone at night. Significant mid-latitude irregularity occurs at low altitudes during the night. The results reported here provide the most comprehensive study of topside ionospheric irregularities from direct probe measurements, and reveal new evidence on possible irregularity production mechanisms.