CEDAR: Plasma Electrodynamics in the Low Latitude E Region

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The PI will investigate the plasma electrodynamics of the low-latitude E region. He will accomplish this by making comprehensive measurements of basic plasma parameters needed to evaluate existing models of the equatorial electrojet and low-latitude ionosphere. These measurements will include incoherent scatter (IS) spectral measurements of the ionospheric region, and semi-coherent backscatter radar measurements to complement the IS measurements. The lack of plasma parameters and electric field measurements has slowed progress in understanding low-latitude E-region electrodynamics. The PI will use two radars in a series of coordinated experiments: (1) the ALTAIR, a fully steerable IS radar located in Kwajalein, to obtain the first high-resolution, IS spectral measurements of the low-latitude E region; and (2) the FAR, a portable, frequency-agile radar, to measure backscatter from type-2 irregularities in the equatorial electrojet and the 150 km echoes. In sum, this research is essential for understanding the coupling processes occurring in different geographical regions, and between plasma and neutral gas in different altitude regions.