Title | Observations of a positive storm phase on September 10, 2005 |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2007 |
Authors | Goncharenko, LP, Foster, JC, Coster, AJ, Huang, C, Aponte, N, Paxton, LJ |
Journal | Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics |
Volume | 69 |
Issue | 10-11 |
Pagination | 1253 - 1272 |
Date Published | 07/2007 |
ISSN | 13646826 |
Keywords | F-region; geomagnetic storm; Ionosphere; positive phase |
Abstract | In this study, we present multi-instrument observations of a strong positive phase of ionospheric storm, which occurred on September 10, 2005 during a moderate geomagnetic storm with minimum Dst=−60 nT and maximum Kp=6–. The daytime electron density measured by the Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar (42.6°N, 288.5°E) increased after 13 UT (∼8 LT) compared with that before the storm. This increase is observed throughout the daytime, lasts for about 9 h, and covers F-region altitudes above ∼230 km. At the altitude of 300 km, the maximum increase in Ne reaches a factor of 3 by 19:30–20:00 UT and is accompanied by a ∼1000 K decrease in electron temperature, a ∼100–150 K increase in ion temperature, and a strong upward drift. Observations by Arecibo ISR (18.3°N, 293.3°E) reveal similar features, with the maximum increase in electron density reaching a factor of 2.5 at 21:30 UT, i.e. 1.5–2 h later than over Millstone Hill. The GPS TEC data show that the increase in electron density observed at Millstone Hill and Arecibo is only a part of a global picture reflected in TEC. The increase in TEC reaches a factor of 2 and covers middle and low latitudes at 19 UT. At later times this increase moves to lower latitudes. A combination of mechanisms were involved in generation of positive phase. The penetration electric field resulted in Ne enhancements at subauroral and middle latitudes, the TAD/TID played an important role at middle and lower latitudes, and increase in O/N2 ratio could contribute to the observed positive phase at middle and lower latitudes. The results show the importance of an upward vertical drift at ∼140–250 km altitude, which is observed for sustained period of time and assists in the convergence of ionization into the F-region. |
URL | http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1364682607000727 |
DOI | 10.1016/j.jastp.2006.09.011 |
Short Title | Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics |
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