AMISR-14: Observations of equatorial spread F
Abstract
A new, 14-panel Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radar (AMISR-14) system was recently deployed at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory. We present results of the first coherent backscatter radar observations of equatorial spread F (ESF) irregularities made with the system. Colocation with the 50 MHz Jicamarca Unattended Long-term studies of the Ionosphere and Atmosphere (JULIA) radar allowed unique simultaneous observations of meter and submeter irregularities. Observations from both systems produced similar Range-Time-Intensity maps during bottom-type and bottomside ESF events. We were also able to use the electronic beam steering capability of AMISR-14 to “image” scattering structures in the magnetic equatorial plane and track their appearance, evolution, and decay with a much larger field of view than previously possible at Jicamarca. The results suggest zonal variations in the instability conditions leading to irregularities and demonstrate the dynamic behavior of F region scattering structures as they evolve and drift across the radar beams.
Description
Date
2015-06-11
Keywords
Ionosphere , Irregularities , Spread F , Scatter , Radar
Citation
Rodrigues, F. S., Nicolls, M. J., Milla, M., Smith, J. M., Varney, R. H., Strømme, A., ... Arratia, J. F. (2015). AMISR-14: Observations of equatorial spread F. Geophysical Research Letters, 42 (13), 5100-5108. https://doi.org/10.1002/2015GL064574
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Publisher
American Geophysical Union