Two-dimensional imaging of the development phase of plasma instabilities in the earth's ionosphere

Jonathan J. Makela, Michael C. Kelley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The convective ionospheric storm (CIS) is a naturally occurring process in the earth's ionosphere over the magnetic equator that can have deleterious consequences on satellite navigation and communication systems. By making low-elevation optical observations from Haleakala, Hawaii, the two-dimensional structure (2-D) (altitude versus longitude) can be made. We present observations from April 30, 2003 that clearly show the development phase of the CIS and compare them to a nonlinear simulation of the instability process. Through long-term observations of this type, we will collect a database that will be used to help unravel some of the outstanding questions associated with this fascinating phenomenon.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)502-503
Number of pages2
JournalIEEE Transactions on Plasma Science
Volume33
Issue number2 I
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • CIS
  • F layer
  • Ionosphere
  • Optical emission
  • Plasma instability
  • Storm

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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