Trough Signatures in Poker Flat (Alaska) Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR) Data

这是一项为期3年的建模和数据分析研究，旨在了解2007-2008年夏季在扑克平面非相干散射雷达（PFISR）数据中观察到的与离子温度峰值相关的不寻常电子密度行为。这种峰值只在夏季以及太阳和磁场活动都非常低的时候出现。这些尖峰与强烈的西向对流速度和急剧的电子密度消耗有关，这很可能是高纬度电离槽的特征。PFISR的持续运行，以及2007-2008年太阳极小期异常低的磁活动所提供的特殊条件，促进了对这一现象的探测。PFISR数据为高纬度电离槽的产生和演变提供了一个独特的视角。首先，将对PFISR数据进行彻底的搜索和分析，以确定2007年以后尽可能多的低谷事件的例子。其次，PI开发的场线半球间等离子体（FLIP）模型将用于模拟PFISR的电子密度观测，该模型已在之前的几项研究中成功地用于再现PFISR观测结果。最终目标是对产生和维持高纬度电离槽的化学和动力学过程有更深入的了解。这个项目也会产生更广泛的影响。值得注意的是，作为该项目的一部分，将培训一名研究生。此外，许多其他研究人员使用的FLIP模型将得到改进，从而提高其对研究界的价值。

This is a 3-year modeling and data analysis study aimed at understanding an unusual electron density behavior associated with ion temperature spikes that have been observed in the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR) data over the summer 2007-2008. The spikes were only found in summer and when both the solar and magnetic activities were very low. The spikes are associated with strong westward convection velocities and steep electron density depletions that are most likely the signature of a high latitude ionization trough. The detection of this phenomenon was facilitated by the continuous running of PFISR and also because of the special conditions provided by the exceptionally low magnetic activity in the solar minimum of 2007-2008. The PFISR data offers a unique perspective on the generation and evolution of the high latitude ionization trough. First, a thorough search and analysis of the PFISR data will be performed to identify as many examples of the trough events as possible from 2007 onward. Secondly, the field line inter-hemispheric plasma (FLIP) model, developed by the PI and used successfully in several previous studies to reproduce PFISR observations, will be employed to simulate the PFISR electron density observations. The ultimate goal is to gain a greater understanding of the chemical and dynamical processes that create and maintain the high latitude ionization trough.There are valuable broader impacts resulting from the project as well. Notably, a graduate student would be trained as part of the project. Further, the FLIP model, which is used by many other researchers, would be improved, thereby enhancing its value to the research community.