Abstract
We present experimental evidence and modeling results which indicate that eastward thermospheric wind is the primary controlling factor of equatorial spread-F initiation in the post-sunset ionosphere. Eastward wind-driven Pedersen currents are able to polarize F-region density perturbations with westward tilting wavefronts into rapidly growing modes to trigger the formation of spread-F bubbles. The described process is so rapid that seeding requirements of spread-F initiation by external factors such as gravity waves are effectively eliminated.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 2416-2427 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics |
Volume | 69 |
Issue number | 17-18 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2007 |
Keywords
- Current systems
- Equatorial ionosphere
- Ionospheric dynamics
- Ionospheric irregularities
- Plasma waves and instabilities
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geophysics
- Atmospheric Science
- Space and Planetary Science