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Full-Text Articles in Physics

Radar Studies Of Height-Dependent Equatorial F Region Vertical And Zonal Plasma Drifts, S. A. Shidler, F. S. Rodrigues, B. G. Fejer, M. A. Milla Feb 2019

Radar Studies Of Height-Dependent Equatorial F Region Vertical And Zonal Plasma Drifts, S. A. Shidler, F. S. Rodrigues, B. G. Fejer, M. A. Milla

All Physics Faculty Publications

We present the results of an analysis of long-term measurements of ionospheric F region E × B plasma drifts in the American/Peruvian sector. The analysis used observations made between 1986 and 2017 by the incoherent scatter radar of the Jicamarca Radio Observatory. Unlike previous studies, we analyzed both vertical and zonal components of the plasma drifts to derive the geomagnetically quiet time climatological variation of the drifts as a function of height and local time. We determine the average behavior of the height profiles of the drifts for different seasons and distinct solar flux conditions. Our results show good agreement …


Quiet Variability Of Equatorial E × B Drifts During A Sudden Stratospheric Warning Event, J. L. Chau, Bela G. Fejer, L. P. Goncharenko Mar 2009

Quiet Variability Of Equatorial E × B Drifts During A Sudden Stratospheric Warning Event, J. L. Chau, Bela G. Fejer, L. P. Goncharenko

Bela G. Fejer

[1] We present strong evidence that during the January 2008 minor sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event, the equatorial vertical E × B drifts exhibit a unique and distinctive daytime pattern. We do not think one event causes the other, however both events might be related through the global effects of planetary waves. The drifts were measured by the Jicamarca Incoherent scatter radar located under the magnetic equator. We have observed an anomalous temporal variation of the vertical E × B drifts during the minor SSW event, showing a semidiurnal variation with very large amplitudes lasting for several days. Large differences …


Seasonal And Longitudinal Dependence Of Equatorialdisturbance Vertical Plasma Drifts, Bela G. Fejer, J. W. Jensen, S. Y. Su Oct 2008

Seasonal And Longitudinal Dependence Of Equatorialdisturbance Vertical Plasma Drifts, Bela G. Fejer, J. W. Jensen, S. Y. Su

Bela G. Fejer

[1] We used equatorial measurements from the ROCSAT-1 satellite to determine the seasonal and longitudinal dependent equatorial F region disturbance vertical plasma drifts. Following sudden increases in geomagnetic activity, the prompt penetration vertical drifts are upward during the day and downward at night, and have strong local time dependence at all seasons. The largest prompt penetration drifts near dusk and dawn occur during June solstice. The daytime disturbance dynamo drifts are small at all seasons. They are downward near dusk with largest (smallest) values during equinox (June solstice); the nighttime drifts are upward with the largest magnitudes in the postmidnight …


Climatology Of Middle And Low-Latitude F-Region Plasma Drifts From Satellite Measurements, John W. Jensen May 2007

Climatology Of Middle And Low-Latitude F-Region Plasma Drifts From Satellite Measurements, John W. Jensen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

We used ion drift observations from the DE-2 satellite to study for the first time the longitudinal variations of middle and low latitude F-region zonal plasma drifts during quiet and disturbed conditions. The daytime quiet-time drifts do not change much with longitude. In the dusk-premidnight period, the equinoctial middle latitude westward drifts are smallest in the European sector, and the low latitude eastward drifts are largest in the American-Pacific sector. The longitudinal variations of the late night-early morning drifts during June and December solstice are anti-correlated. During geomagnetically active time s, there are large westward perturbation drifts in the late …


Climatology Of F Region Zonalplasma Drifts Over Jicamarca, Bela G. Fejer, J. R. Souza, A. S. Santos, A. E. Costa Pereira Dec 2005

Climatology Of F Region Zonalplasma Drifts Over Jicamarca, Bela G. Fejer, J. R. Souza, A. S. Santos, A. E. Costa Pereira

Bela G. Fejer

[1] We use extensive incoherent scatter radar observations made at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory between 1970 and 2003 to study and model empirically the equatorial zonal plasma drifts near the F region peak using Bernstein polynomials as base functions. Our quiet-time model results confirm that the daytime drifts are westward and are nearly season and solar cycle independent. The nighttime drifts are eastward, have larger magnitudes, and increase strongly with solar flux, particularly near equinox and December solstice. Enhanced geomagnetic activity drives small eastward perturbation drifts during the day and much larger westward disturbance drifts at night. The nighttime drift …


Assimilative Modeling Of The Equatorial Ionosphere For Scintillation Forecasting: Modeling With Vertical Drifts, J. M. Retterer, D. T. Decker, W. S. Borer, R. E. Daniell, Bela G. Fejer Nov 2005

Assimilative Modeling Of The Equatorial Ionosphere For Scintillation Forecasting: Modeling With Vertical Drifts, J. M. Retterer, D. T. Decker, W. S. Borer, R. E. Daniell, Bela G. Fejer

Bela G. Fejer

[1] Knowledge of the vertical plasma drift velocity observed by the Jicamarca incoherent radar in seven events is assimilated into a theoretical model for the ambient F region plasma density. Comparisons of the calculated plasma density model and the observed plasma density show that, apart from the signature effects of equatorial plasma bubbles, the ambient model captures much of the detail of the plasma density profiles. Rayleigh-Taylor growth rates calculated with the ambient model show a good correlation with the occurrence of spread F.


Radar Studies Of Mid-Latitude Ionospheric Plasma Drifts, L. Scherliess, Bela G. Fejer, J. Holt, L. Goncharenko, C. Armory-Mazaudier, M. J. Buonsanto Feb 2001

Radar Studies Of Mid-Latitude Ionospheric Plasma Drifts, L. Scherliess, Bela G. Fejer, J. Holt, L. Goncharenko, C. Armory-Mazaudier, M. J. Buonsanto

Bela G. Fejer

We use incoherent scatter radar measurements from Millstone Hill and Saint Santin to study the midlatitude F region electrodynamic plasma drifts during geomagnetically quiet and active periods. We present initially a local time, season, and solar flux dependent analytical model of the quiet time zonal and meridional E × B drifts over these stations. We discuss, for the first time, the Saint Santin drift patterns during solar maximum. We have used these quiet time models to extract the geomagnetic perturbation drifts which were modeled as a function of the time history of the auroral electrojet indices. Our results illustrate the …


Simulation Of The Prereversalenhancement In The Low Latitude Vertical Drifts, C. G. Fesen, R. G. Noble, A. D. Richmond, G. Crowley, Bela G. Fejer Jul 2000

Simulation Of The Prereversalenhancement In The Low Latitude Vertical Drifts, C. G. Fesen, R. G. Noble, A. D. Richmond, G. Crowley, Bela G. Fejer

Bela G. Fejer

Low latitude F region ion motions exhibit strong seasonal and solar cycle dependences. The pre-reversal enhancement (PRE) in the vertical ion drifts is a particularly well-known low latitude electrodynamic feature, exhibited as a sharp upward spike in the velocity shortly after local sunset, which remains poorly understood theoretically. The PRE has been successfully simulated for the first time by a general circulation model, the National Center for Atmospheric Research thermosphere/ionosphere/electrodynamic general circulation model (TIEGCM). The TIEGCM reproduces the zonal and vertical plasma drifts for equinox, June, and December for low, medium, and high solar activity. The crucial parameter in the …


Mid- And Low-Latitude Prompt-Penetration Ionospheric Zonalplasma Drifts, Bela G. Fejer, L. Scherliess Aug 1998

Mid- And Low-Latitude Prompt-Penetration Ionospheric Zonalplasma Drifts, Bela G. Fejer, L. Scherliess

Bela G. Fejer

We have used ion drift observations from the DE-2 satellite to determine the latitudinal variation and the temporal evolution of mid- and low-latitude prompt penetration zonal plasma drifts driven by magnetospheric electric fields. Our results indicate that sudden increases in convection lead to predominantly westward perturbation drifts which decrease equartorwards and have largest amplitudes in the dusk-midnight sector. The diurnal perturbation drift patterns shift to later local times with increasing storm time and decay to new quasi-equilibrium values in about 2 hours, as the ring current readjusts to the new polar cap potential. The daily and latitudinal variations and temporal …


Satellite Studies Of Mid- And Low-Latitude Ionospheric Disturbancezonal Plasma Drifts, L. Scherliess, Bela G. Fejer May 1998

Satellite Studies Of Mid- And Low-Latitude Ionospheric Disturbancezonal Plasma Drifts, L. Scherliess, Bela G. Fejer

Bela G. Fejer

We use low- and mid-latitude zonal ion drift observations from the DE-2 satellite and auroral electrojet indices to study the temporal and latitudinal variations of F-region perturbation drifts during magnetically disturbed conditions. These perturbation drifts are driven by magnetospheric and ionospheric disturbance dynamo electric fields with time constants from less than one to several hours. We determine, initially, the drift patterns due to the prompt penetration of magnetospheric electric fields and of longer lasting disturbances. In this study, we concentrate on the properties of the longer lasting perturbations which occur with latitude-dependent time delays after enhancements in the high-latitude ionospheric …


Global Equatorial Ionosphericvertical Plasma Drifts Measured By The Ae-E Satellite, Bela G. Fejer, E. R. De Paula, R. A. Heelis, W. B. Hanson Jan 1995

Global Equatorial Ionosphericvertical Plasma Drifts Measured By The Ae-E Satellite, Bela G. Fejer, E. R. De Paula, R. A. Heelis, W. B. Hanson

Bela G. Fejer

Ion drift meter observations from the Atmosphere Explorer E satellite during the period of January 1977 to December 1979 are used to study the dependence of equatorial (dip latitudes ≤ 7.5°) F region vertical plasma drifts (east-west electric fields) on solar activity, season, and longitude. The satellite-observed ion drifts show large day-to-day and seasonal variations. Solar cycle effects are most pronounced near the dusk sector with a large increase of the prereversal velocity enhancement from solar minimum to maximum. The diurnal, seasonal, and solar cycle dependence of the longitudinally averaged drifts are consistent with results from the Jicamarca radar except …


F-Region Plasma Drifts Over Arecibo: Solar Cycle, Seasonal And Magnetic Activityeffects, Bela G. Fejer Jan 1993

F-Region Plasma Drifts Over Arecibo: Solar Cycle, Seasonal And Magnetic Activityeffects, Bela G. Fejer

Bela G. Fejer

We have used Arecibo incoherent scatter measurements from 1981 to 1990 to determine the characteristics of low-latitude F region plasma drifts. The measurements show large day-to-day variability even during magnetically quiet periods. The average poleward/perpendicular plasma drifts do not change significantly with season and solar cycle except in the midnight-morning sector. The zonal drifts show clear solar cycle and seasonal effects. The afternoon-nighttime eastward drifts increase with solar flux; the westward drifts in the early morning-afternoon sector show a large increase from summer to winter but are independent of solar activity. The two perpendicular velocity components also respond differently to …


Equatorial F-Regionvertical Plasma Drifts During Solar Maxima, Bela G. Fejer, E. R. De Paula, I. S. Batista, E. Bonelli, R. F. Woodman Sep 1989

Equatorial F-Regionvertical Plasma Drifts During Solar Maxima, Bela G. Fejer, E. R. De Paula, I. S. Batista, E. Bonelli, R. F. Woodman

Bela G. Fejer

Incoherent scatter radar measurements at Jicamarca are used to study the effects of large solar fluxes and magnetic activity on the F region vertical plasma drifts. The average drifts from the two last solar maxima are almost identical except in the late afternoon-early evening sector where their variations with solar flux and magnetic activity are strongly season dependent. The average evening winter (May-August) drifts appear to remain almost constant after a certain solar flux level is reached but increase with magnetic activity. The equinoctial evening drifts increase systematically with solar-flux but decrease with magnetic activity. Very large prereversal enhancement velocities, …


On The Height Variation Of The Equatorial F-Region Vertical Plasmadrifts, J. E. Pingree, Bela G. Fejer May 1987

On The Height Variation Of The Equatorial F-Region Vertical Plasmadrifts, J. E. Pingree, Bela G. Fejer

Bela G. Fejer

We have used improved incoherent scatter radar measurements at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory to study the height variation of the F region vertical plasma drift velocity (driven by the zonal electric field) during moderately quiet conditions. Preliminary results indicate a nearly linear change of the vertical drift velocity with altitude between 200 and 700 km, but with considerable day-to-day variations in the value of the slope. On the average, the velocity gradients are positive in the late night and morning periods and negative during the afternoon and evening hours. Simultaneous vertical and zonal drift measurements confirm that the measured height …


Equatorial F-Region Zonal Plasma Drifts, Bela G. Fejer, E. Kudeki, D. T. Farley Dec 1985

Equatorial F-Region Zonal Plasma Drifts, Bela G. Fejer, E. Kudeki, D. T. Farley

Bela G. Fejer

We have examined in detail the F region plasma drifts measured at Jicamarca, Peru, during 1978–1981, a period of high solar activity, and compared these drifts with Jicamarca data taken during periods of lower activity, as well as with other equatorial zonal neutral wind and plasma drift measurements. The increase in solar activity causes larger nighttime eastward plasma drifts at Jicamarca and delays the morning reversal time from eastward nighttime to westward daytime drifts. The radar data seem to be in good agreement with nighttime neutral wind measurements made by the DE-2 satellite, but are systematically smaller than spaced receiver …


Interferometer Studies Of Equatorial Fregion Irregularities And Drifts, E. Kudeki, Bela G. Fejer, D. T. Farley, H. M. Ierkic Apr 1981

Interferometer Studies Of Equatorial Fregion Irregularities And Drifts, E. Kudeki, Bela G. Fejer, D. T. Farley, H. M. Ierkic

Bela G. Fejer

A radar interferometer technique developed at Jicamarca, Peru and first used to study electrojet irregularities has now been used successfully to study plasma turbulence in the equatorial F region. Our first results have shown that the most ‘turbulent’ echoes appear to come from a region that extends for tens of kilometers in altitude but for only a kilometer or less in the east-west direction. This slab may very well be the wall of a depleted region, a plasma ‘bubble’. Sometimes the irregularities can be tracked as they move eastward or westward. Velocity profiles for the evening period obtained in this …


F-Region East-Westdrifts At Jicamarca, Bela G. Fejer, D. T. Farley, C. A. Gonzales, R. F. Woodman, C. Calderson Jan 1981

F-Region East-Westdrifts At Jicamarca, Bela G. Fejer, D. T. Farley, C. A. Gonzales, R. F. Woodman, C. Calderson

Bela G. Fejer

F region east-west drifts have been measured at Jicamarca for almost 10 years, using incoherent scatter. The drifts are westward during the day and eastward at night. The daytime drift velocities are about 50 m/s and change very little with season or solar cycle. The evening reversal occurs at about 1600 local time throughout the solar cycle. The maximum nighttime eastward drifts are about 105 and 130 m/s during solar minimum and maximum, respectively. The daytime and nighttime drifts show very litle variation with magnetic activity. These Jicamarca incoherent scatter results (especially the reversal times) differ appreciably from results obtained …