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，旨在了解与2007-2008年夏季在扑克牌平板非相干散射雷达（PFISR）数据中观察到的离子温度尖峰相关的不寻常的电子密度行为。 这些尖峰只在夏季和太阳活动和磁场活动都很低的时候出现。 尖峰与强烈的向西对流速度和陡峭的电子密度耗尽有关，这很可能是高纬度电离槽的标志。对这一现象的探测得益于PFISR的持续运行，也是因为2007-2008年太阳活动极小期磁场活动异常低所提供的特殊条件。PFISR资料为高纬电离槽的产生和演变提供了独特的视角。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，场线半球间等离子体（FLIP）模型，由PI开发，并成功地用于在以前的几项研究中再现PFISR观测，将被用来模拟PFISR电子密度观测。最终目标是更好地了解产生和维持高纬度电离槽的化学和动力学过程，该项目也产生了有价值的更广泛的影响。 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.