Incoherent Scatter Radar Study of the F1 Region Composition, Coupling, Dynamics and Energetics

电离层是大气层的导电层，从100公里延伸到太空边缘。这项研究涉及跨越130-230公里的电离层F1层。该区域由处于较低水平的分子离子和处于上边界的原子离子填充。这种成分的混合导致F1区域比电离层的其他部分更少被研究，因为电离层的其他部分的成分更简单。然而，F1电场和离子漂移在空间和时间上变化很大，因此了解这一区域对于电磁波传播，空间天气预测及其对通信和定位行业的影响显然很重要。非相干散射雷达（ISR）是研究F1层的主要仪器。雷达信号（“回波”）可以产生关于风和温度的信息，但该过程缺乏唯一性，因为离子质量和电子/离子温度的不同组合可以以相同的回波功率呈现。主要研究者（PI）将结合Arecibo ISR观察到的联合收割机离子和等离子体发射，以推断温度、成分和速度，而无需限制先前工作的传统假设。他将研究高度，季节和太阳活动的依赖性，以及维持F1的光化学和动力学过程之间的平衡。这项工作有助于我们对电离层物理学的基本了解，同时展示了挖掘ISR测量的新策略。PI的努力肯定了阿雷西博天文台的科学卓越的声誉，因为该设施从国家科学基金会（NSF）的管理过渡到中央佛罗里达大学的新管理。这个奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并被认为是值得通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估的支持。

The ionosphere is the electrically conductive layer of the atmosphere that extends from 100 km to the edge of space. This research addresses the F1 layer of the ionosphere that spans 130-230 km. This region is populated by molecular ions at the lower levels and atomic ions at the upper boundary. This mixture of constituents has led to the F1 region being less studied than other parts of the ionosphere where the composition is simpler. However, F1 electric fields and ion drifts are highly variable in space and time, so understanding this region is clearly important for electromagnetic wave propagation, space weather prediction, and their ramifications for communications and positioning industries. Incoherent scatter radars (ISR) are the primary instruments to study the F1 layer. Radar signals ("echoes") can yield information about wind and temperature, but the process suffers from a lack of uniqueness, as different combinations of ion mass and electron/ion temperatures can present with the same echo power. The Principal Investigator (PI) will combine ion and plasma emissions observed by the ISR at Arecibo to infer temperature, composition and velocity without the traditional assumptions that have constrained previous efforts. He will examine altitude, seasonal and solar activity dependences, and the balance between photochemical and dynamical processes that maintain F1. This work contributes to our fundamental understanding of ionospheric physics, while showcasing new strategies for mining ISR measurements. The PI's efforts affirm Arecibo Observatory's reputation for scientific excellence as the facility transitions from National Science Foundation (NSF) management to its new administration by the University of Central Florida.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.