Title: High-resolution auroral zone<i>E</i>region neutral wind and current measurements by incoherent scatter radar
Abstract: In this paper we present the first high-resolution E region neutral wind measurements made at the Chatanika, Alaska, incoherent scatter radar facility. The high-resolution (∼10 km) measurements are made possible by a new digital correlator system that is now fully operational. Daytime measurements show that the neutral transport in the low E region follows the general pattern of the global pressure-driven winds. However, above 110 km there is evidence that the neutral winds are being influenced by electric fields associated with daytime precipitation events. Data taken during a moderately disturbed nighttime period show an equatorward neutral wind component above ∼115 km during the evening eastward electrojet and a poleward component through the morning westward electrojet. In our analysis we have emphasized the critical dependence of the neutral wind estimates on the collision rate parameter, particularly above ∼120 km, where ion-neutral collisions rapidly diminish.
Publication Year: 1977
Publication Date: 1977-06-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 86
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