Comprehensive Plasma Line Studies at Arecibo Observatory

本项目通过观察电离层电子密度在F2峰的变化，关注热层-电离层-磁层耦合机制。阿雷西博ISR将采用两种已建立但很少使用的非相干散射雷达（ISR）电子等离子体线技术，该技术可提供电离层f区域的高精度信息。即将进行的等离子体线测量将提供非常精确的foF2数据（以kHz精度测量foF2，对应于100/cm3数量级的密度变化，时间尺度接近一秒）以及电子漂移速度数据，当与产生电子温度和离子漂移数据的交错标准ISR测量相结合时，可以产生垂直电流的精确测量。这些技术将与阿雷西博ISR的双光束能力一起使用，与使用这些技术的早期实验相比，这是一个重大进步。实验方法已在试点研究中得到验证。试点研究的结果再次证实了宽带波动和离散波动的存在，并揭示了这些波动的新的时空特征。作为该项目的一部分，将在阿雷西博进行另外两项实验，以收集有关波动的全面数据集。数据分析将包括与阿雷西博的其他数据进行比较，包括磁力计测量，以及电离层对波动和垂直电流来源的响应建模。这项研究的首要目标是确定波动的来源。具体的候选者包括局部电离层-热层扰动、声波和磁场振荡。学生们将通过在遥感中心的暑期实习参与研究项目，这将为学生们提供独特的机会，让他们获得实际操作阿雷西博雷达和测量技术的培训和经验。

This project concerns thermosphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling mechanisms as observed through variations in the ionospheric electron density at the F2 peak. Two established, but seldom utilized, Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) electron plasma line techniques that offer high precision information on the ionospheric F-region will be employed at the Arecibo ISR. The plasma line measurements to be conducted will provide very precise foF2 data (measurements of foF2 at kHz accuracy, corresponding to density changes of the order of 100/cm3, and at time scales near one second) as well as electron drift velocity data, which when combined with interleaved standard ISR measurements that yield electron temperature and ion drift data can produce a precise measurement of the vertical current. The techniques will be used together with the dual beam capability of the Arecibo ISR which is a significant advancement compared to earlier experiments utilizing these techniques. The experimental approach has been validated in a pilot-study. Results from the pilot-study reconfirm the presence of broad-band as well as discrete fluctuations and divulge new spatial and temporal features of these. As part of this project, two additional experiments will be conducted at Arecibo to collect a comprehensive data set of the fluctuations. Comparison with other data at Arecibo, including magnetometer measurements, as well as modeling of the ionospheric response to fluctuations and sources of vertical currents will be included in the data analysis. The overarching goal of the research is the identification of the source of the fluctuations. Specific candidates include local ionosphere-thermosphere disturbances, acoustic waves and magnetic field oscillations.Students will participate in the research project through summer internships at Center for Remote Sensing, which will provide unique opportunities for students to get hands-on training and experience with the Arecibo radar and measurement techniques.