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，磁赤道区域在近地等离子体环境中存在一系列独特且令人困惑的现象。这些现象从将等离子体从赤道输送出去的大规模等离子体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。目前调查的重点是赤道扩展F或ESF，多尺度等离子体结构，其起源知之甚少。该项目将通过在Jicamarca射电天文台磁赤道站点对等离子体条件进行二维多仪器观测来研究ESF的生成。该项目将更好地了解基本等离子体过程，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，这是已知的等离子体扰动的一个重要来源，可能会干扰无线电通信信道。通过这项工作，将进一步发展美国伙伴机构与国际伙伴（联合研究办事处）之间的合作联系。它还将通过直接支持一名博士后研究员和一名研究生，并通过首席研究员将这项研究的结果纳入课堂活动，促进教学和刺激研究与教育的融合。这项工作将涉及（1）修复JRO的新雷达系统和气辉成像仪，（2）在JRO对ESF进行2D无线电和光学观测，（3）ESF传播分析，以确定F区结构是在本地生成的还是从另一个位置传输的，（4）将ESF发生和强度与等离子体漂移测量进行比较，以评估午夜后，静时ESF可以在减弱向下漂移的条件下发展，（5）分析并置的射电和光学观测资料，以研究傍晚和傍晚后的大尺度等离子体结构和ESF之间的因果关系。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并已被认为是值得通过评估使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的支持影响审查标准。

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.