Incoherent Scatter Radar Studies of the Equatorial Ionosphere at Jicamarca

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The project aims to improve the capabilities of the Jicamarca incoherent scatter radar for equatorial F-region observations via the development of a new observing/signal-processing mode based on spectral fitting and magneto-ionic differential-phase measurements: With radar beams pointed perpendicular to B, self- and cross-spectra of O- and X-mode incoherent scatter returns collected with orthogonal dipole pairs and a pair of north-south displayed dipole arrays will be fitted to a forward theory model to infer F-region plasma drifts, densities, and electron and ion temperatures with 5 min and 15 km time and height resolutions. The inversion procedure will also make use of simultaneously collected ionosonde data and furthermore will be capable of F-region plasma density measurements during equatorial spread F conditions. The project will constitute an excellent training ground for graduate students on ionospheric propagation and incoherent scatter theories and will furthermore provide an opportunity for stringent tests of the F-region incoherent scatter theory in a relatively unexplored parameter regime (small aspect angles).