Combined radar observations of equatorial electrojet irregularities at Jicamarca

D. L. Hysell (1) , J. Drexler (1) , E. B. Shume (1) , J. L. Chau (2) , D. E. Scipion (2, 3) , M. Vlasov (4) , R. Cuevas (4) , C. Heinselman (5)

1 EAS - Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences [Ithaca)
2 Radio Observatorio de Jicamarca
3 Electrical and Computer Engineering
4 Electrical and Computer Engineering
5 SRI - SRI International [Menlo Park]

Daytime equatorial electrojet plasma irregularities were investigated using five distinct radar diagnostics at Jicamarca including range-time-intensity (RTI) mapping, Faraday rotation, radar imaging, oblique scattering, and multiple-frequency scattering using the new AMISR prototype UHF radar. Data suggest the existence of plasma density striations separated by 3?5 km and propagating slowly downward. The striations may be caused by neutral atmospheric turbulence, and a possible scenario for their formation is discussed. The Doppler shifts of type 1 echoes observed at VHF and UHF frequencies are compared and interpreted in light of a model of Farley Buneman waves based on kinetic ions and fluid electrons with thermal effects included. Finally, the up-down and east-west asymmetries evident in the radar observations are described and quantified.

Domaines: Océan, Atmosphère; Sciences de la Terre

D. L. Hysell, J. Drexler, E. B. Shume, J. L. Chau, D. E. Scipion, et al.. Combined radar observations of equatorial electrojet irregularities at Jicamarca. Annales Geophysicae, 2007, 25 (2), pp.457-473. ⟨hal-00318276⟩