Collaborative Research: Multi-instrumented, Two-Dimensional (2D) Studies of Equatorial Spread F

这项研究将通过重新启动磁赤道附近的两台仪器来开发新的观测能力，该地区拥有近地等离子体环境中一系列独特而令人费解的现象。这些现象从将等离子体输送到赤道以外的大规模等离子喷泉，到对卫星通信和导航产生不利影响的等离子体密度的小规模扰动。目前的研究重点是赤道扩散F或ESF，这是一种多尺度等离子体结构，其起源尚不清楚。该项目将通过对Jicamara射电天文台(JRO)磁赤道地点的等离子体条件进行二维、多仪器观测来研究ESF的产生。该项目将更好地了解基本的等离子体过程，包括低地磁纬度的等离子体不稳定性和等离子体-中性耦合，众所周知，这是可能扰乱无线电通信频道的等离子体干扰的一个重要来源。通过这项工作，将在美国的伙伴机构和一个国际伙伴(JRO)之间建立进一步的合作联系。它还将通过直接支持一名博士后研究人员和一名研究生，并由首席调查员将这项研究的结果纳入课堂活动，来促进教学和促进研究与教育的结合。这项工作将涉及(1)修复JRO的新雷达系统和气辉成像器，(2)对JRO的ESF进行2D无线电和光学观测，(3)ESF传播分析，以确定F区结构是在本地产生还是从另一个位置传输，(4)将ESF的发生和强度与等离子体漂移测量进行比较，以评估午夜后，在向下漂移减弱的条件下，可以形成安静的ESF的假设，以及(5)对并置的无线电和光学观测进行分析，以研究深夜和午夜后大型等离子体结构与ESF之间的因果关系。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并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，被认为值得支持。

This research will develop new observational capabilities by reactivating two instruments near the magnetic equator, a region which hosts a unique and puzzling set of phenomena in the near-Earth plasma environment. These phenomena range from large-scale plasma fountains that transport plasma away from the equator to small-scale disturbances in the plasma density that adversely affect satellite communication and navigation. The focus of the current investigation is on the equatorial spread F or ESF, a multi-scale plasma structure whose origins are poorly understood. This project will investigate generation of ESF by conducting two-dimensional, multi-instrumented observations of plasma conditions at the magnetic equatorial site of the Jicamarca Radio Observatory (JRO). This project will develop a better understanding of fundamental plasma processes including plasma instabilities and plasma-neutral coupling at low geomagnetic latitudes which are known to be a significant source of plasma disturbances that can disrupt radio communication channels. Further collaborative linkages between partner institutions in the US and an international partner (JRO) will be developed through this work. It will also promote teaching and stimulate integration of research and education by directly supporting one post-doctoral researcher and one graduate student, and by the Principal Investigator incorporating results from this research into classroom activities. The work will involve (1) a repair of a new radar system and airglow imager at JRO, (2) conducting 2D radio and optical observations of ESF at JRO, (3) ESF propagation analysis to determine whether F-region structures are generated locally or transported from another location, (4) comparing ESF occurrence and strength with plasma drift measurements to evaluate a hypothesis that post-midnight, quiet-time ESF can develop under conditions of weakening downward drifts, and (5) analysis of collocated radio and optical observations to study the causal relationship between large-scale plasma structures and ESF in the late-evening and post-midnight sectors.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.