bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case studies of the propagation characteristics of auroral TIDS with EISCAT CP2 data using maximum entropy cross-spectral analysis
Authors: Ma S. Y. , Schlegel K. , Xu J. S.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. In this paper case studies of propagation characteristics of two TIDs are presented which are induced by atmospheric gravity waves in the auroral F-region on a magnetic quiet day. By means of maximum entropy cross-spectral analysis of EISCAT CP2 data, apparent full wave-number vectors of the TIDs are obtained as a function of height. The analysis results show that the two events considered can be classified as moderately large-scale TID and medium-scale TID, respectively. One exhibits a dominant period of about 72 min, a mean horizontal phase speed of about 180 m/s (corresponding to a horizontal wavelength of about 780 km) directed south-eastwards and a vertical phase speed of 55 m/s for a height of about 300 km. The other example shows a dominant period of 44 min, a mean horizontal phase velocity of about 160 m/s (corresponding to a horizontal wavelength of about 420 km) directed southwestwards, and a vertical phase velocity of about 50 m/s at 250 km altitude.Key words. Ionosphere · Auroral ionosphere · Ionosphere-atmosphere interactions · Wave propagation)
Long-period fading in atmospherics during severe meteorological activity and associated solar geophysical phenomena at low latitudes
Authors: Bhattacharya A. B. , Kar S. K. , Chatterjee M. K. , Bhattacharya R.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. The records of VLF atmospherics over Calcutta and then over Kalyani (West Bengal) during the torrential rainfall, caused by violent monsoon and post-monsoon depressions, exhibit distinct long-period fadings both at day and night. Interesting results obtained from an analysis of round-the-clock atmospherics data and associated meteorological parameters are reported in this paper. A possible correlation between the severe meteorological activity with the solar geophysical phenomena was studied. The results are indicative of an interesting sequence of solar-terrestrial events. A tentative conclusion is reached, suggesting an origin of the fading from atmospheric gravity waves generated in the centre of activity of the depressions concerned.Key words. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics · Lightning · Precipitation
Night-to-night changes in the characteristics of gravity waves at stratospheric and lower-mesospheric heights
Authors: McDonald A. J. , Thomas L. , Wareing D. P.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Observations made with the co-located Rayleigh lidar and MST radar systems at Aberystwyth (52.4°N, 4.1°W) in Wales and radiosondes from Valentia (51.9°N, 10.2°W) in Eire are used to investigate the changes in the vertical propagation of gravity waves during periods of 4 days in June 1995 and February 1993. In each month, the lidar observations show that the wave activity in the upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere changes between two pairs of days. The radar and radiosonde measurements indicate that mountain waves make no contribution to the changes in intensity. Instead, the changes seem to arise largely from the presence or absence of long-period waves with vertical wavelengths near 8 and 10 km in June and February, respectively. The influence of such waves on the vertical wavenumber spectra is examined and related to the evidence for convective instabilities provided by the temperature profiles.Key words. Rayleigh lidar · MST radar systems · Radiosondes · Gravity waves
Climatological Ertel's potential-vorticity flux and mean meridional circulation in the extratropical troposphere − lower stratosphere
Authors: Bartels J. , Peters D. , Schmitz G.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. We investigated to what extent the isentropic, non-geostrophic formulation of zonally averaged circulation derived for stratospheric conditions is applicable to climatological transport in the extratropical troposphere and lower stratosphere. The study is based on 10 years of daily data of ECMWF analysis and on the ECHAM3 climate model of the German Climate Computing Centre. The main result is a scalar isentropic mixing coefficient, Kyy, and a mean meridional transport circulation consistently derived from the same data base. For both data sources, isentropic mean meridional circulation is derived from horizontal mass flow rate for 4 representative months. Alternatively, a mean meridional circulation is calculated from total diabatic heating rates of the ECHAM3 model. It is shown that only the latter is in good agreement with the ECMWF mean meridional circulation. Isentropic analysis also comprises the seasonal cycle of the climatological meridional gradient and flux of Ertel's potential vorticity (PV). Application of Tung's flux-gradient relation yields that for all seasons Kyy is positive in height-latitude regions where statistical significance is reached. Large Kyy values, marking regions of more efficient mixing, have been found in the subtropical vertical band of weak westerly wind and in mid-latitudes in regions of upward-propagating baroclinic wave activity in the middle and upper troposphere. Based on the ECMWF data and results of baroclinic-wave behaviour, strong indications are presented that positive zonally averaged PV flux polewards of the jet core in the NH is strengthened by stationary waves and nonlinear effects. Reduced eddy transport is apparent in winter and spring slightly below the subtropical tropopause jet. The seasonal cycle of Kyy from ECHAM3 data is to a great extent in agreement with the result based on ECMWF analysis. In the model, reduced interannual variability enlarges the height-latitude range where sign of Kyy is significant.Key words. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics · Climatology · General circulation · Middle atmosphere is significant.
Field-aligned conductance values estimated from Maxwellian and kappa distributions in quiet and disturbed events using Freja electron data
Authors: Olsson A. , Janhunen P.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. We study the question of what difference it makes for the derived field-aligned conductance (K) values if one uses Maxwellian or kappa distributions for the fitting of low-orbiting satellite electron flux spectra in the auroral region. This question has arisen because sometimes a high-energy tail is seen in the spectra. In principle, the kappa fits should always be better, because the kappa distribution is a generalization of the Maxwellian. However, the physical meaning of the parameters appearing in the Maxwellian is clearer. It therefore makes sense to study under which circumstances it is appropriate to use a Maxwellian. We use Freja electron data (TESP and MATE) from two events. One of the events represents quiet magnetospheric conditions (stable arc) and the other represents disturbed conditions (surge). In these Freja events, at least, using kappa rather than Maxwellian fitting gives a better fit to the observed distribution, but the difference in K values is not large (usually less than 20). The difference can be of either sign. However, sometimes even the kappa distribution does not provide a good fit, and one needs a more complicated distribution such as two Maxwellians. We investigate the relative contributions of the two Maxwellians to the total field-aligned conductance value in these cases. We find that the contribution of the high-energy population is insignificant (usually much less than 20). This is because K is proportional to n∕ Ec, where n is the source plasma density and Ec is the characteristic energy.Key words. Field-aligned conductance · Maxwellian distribution · Kappa distribution · Freja electron data
A quantitative model for cyclotron wave-particle interactions at the plasmapause
Authors: Pasmanik D. L. , Trakhtengerts V. Y. , Demekhov A. G. , Lyubchich A. A. , Titova E. E. , Yahnina T. , Rycroft M. J. , Manninen J. , Turunen T.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. The formation of a zone of energetic electron precipitation by the plasmapause, a region of enhanced plasma density, following energetic particle injection during a magnetic storm, is analyzed. Such a region can also be formed by detached cold plasma clouds appearing in the outer magnetosphere by restructuring of the plasmasphere during a magnetic storm. As a mechanism of precipitation, wave-particle interactions by the cyclotron instability between whistler-mode waves and electrons are considered. In the framework of the self-consistent equations of quasi-linear plasma theory, the distribution function of trapped electrons and the electron precipitation pattern are found. The theoretical results are compared with experimental data obtained from NOAA satellites.Key words. Magnetospheric physics · Energetic particles · Precipitating and trapped · Plasma waves and instabilities
In situ local shock speed and transit shock speed
Authors: Watari S. , Detman T.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. A useful index for estimating the transit speeds was derived by analyzing interplanetary shock observations. This index is the ratio of the in situ local shock speed and the transit speed; it is 0.6–0.9 for most observed shocks. The local shock speed and the transit speed calculated for the results of the magnetohydrodynamic simulation show good agreement with the observations. The relation expressed by the index is well explained by a simplified propagation model assuming a blast wave. For several shocks the ratio is approximately 1.2, implying that these shocks accelerated during propagation in slow-speed solar wind. This ratio is similar to that for the background solar wind acceleration.Keywords. Interplanetary physics (Flare and stream dynamics; Interplanetary shocks; Solar wind plasma)
Westward moving dynamic substorm features observed with the IMAGE magnetometer network and other ground-based instruments
Authors: Lühr H. , Aylward A. , Bucher S. C. , Pajunpää A. , Pajunpää K. , Holmboe T. , Zalewski S. M.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. We present the ground signatures of dynamic substorm features with particular emphasis on the event interpretation capabilities provided by the IMAGE magnetometer network. This array covers the high latitudes from the sub-auroral to the cusp/cleft region. An isolated substorm on 11 Oct. 1993 during the late evening hours exhibited many of well-known features such as the Harang discontinuity, westward travelling surge and poleward leap, but also discrete auroral forms, known as auroral streamers, appeared propagating westward along the centre of the electrojet. Besides the magnetic field measurements, there were auroral observations and plasma flow and conductivity measurements obtained by EISCAT. The data of all three sets of instruments are consistent with the notion of upward field-aligned currents associated with the moving auroral patches. A detailed analysis of the electrodynamic parameters in the ionosphere, however, reveals that they do not agree with the expectations resulting from commonly used simplifying approximations. For example, the westward moving auroral streamers which are associated with field-aligned current filaments, are not collocated with the centres of equivalent current vortices. Furthermore, there is a clear discrepancy between the measured plasma flow direction and the obtained equivalent current direction. All this suggests that steep conductivity gradients are associated with the transient auroral forms. Also self-induction effects in the ionosphere may play a role for the orientation of the plasma flows. This study stresses the importance of multi-instrument observation for a reliable interpretation of dynamic auroral processes.Keywords. Ionosphere (Auroral ionosphere; Electric fields and currents; Ionosphere-magnetosphere interactions).
Substorm associated radar auroral surges: a statistical study and possible generation model
Authors: Shand B. A. , Lester M. , Yeoman T. K.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Substorm-associated radar auroral surges (SARAS) are a short lived (15–90 minutes) and spatially localised (~5° of latitude) perturbation of the plasma convection pattern observed within the auroral E-region. The understanding of such phenomena has important ramifications for the investigation of the larger scale plasma convection and ultimately the coupling of the solar wind, magnetosphere and ionosphere system. A statistical investigation is undertaken of SARAS, observed by the Sweden And Britain Radar Experiment (SABRE), in order to provide a more extensive examination of the local time occurrence and propagation characteristics of the events. The statistical analysis has determined a local time occurrence of observations between 1420 MLT and 2200 MLT with a maximum occurrence centred around 1700 MLT. The propagation velocity of the SARAS feature through the SABRE field of view was found to be predominately L-shell aligned with a velocity centred around 1750 m s–1 and within the range 500 m s–1 and 3500 m s–1. This comprehensive examination of the SARAS provides the opportunity to discuss, qualitatively, a possible generation mechanism for SARAS based on a proposed model for the production of a similar phenomenon referred to as sub-auroral ion drifts (SAIDs). The results of the comparison suggests that SARAS may result from a similar geophysical mechanism to that which produces SAID events, but probably occurs at a different time in the evolution of the event.Key words. Substorms · Auroral surges · Plasma con-vection · Sub-auroral ion drifts
Electron temperatures during rapid subauroral ion drift events
Authors: Moffett R. J. , Ennis A. E. , Bailey G. J. , Heelis R. A. , Brace L. H.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Examples of data from DE-2 satellite instruments are presented. These illustrate the behaviour of plasma parameters in the F-region and adjacent topside ionosphere during rapid sub-auroral ion drift (SAID) events. In particular, a variety of behaviours of the electron temperature (Te) is demonstrated, both within and equatorward of the SAID region. The Sheffield University plasmasphere-ionosphere model (SUPIM) is used to perform calculations in which a model SAID is applied to a plasma flux tube. The model results indicate that strongly elevated ion temperature (a recognised signature of SAID events) is on occasion sufficient to raise Te to observed values by ion-electron heat transfer. On other occasions, an additional heat source is required. It is suggested that such a source for the electron gas may be due to interaction between the ring current and the plasmasphere at high altitudes. The magnitude of the downward heat flux is consistent with that necessary to produce sub-auroral red arcs. The resulting strongly heated electron gas causes vibrational excitation of molecular nitrogen in the thermosphere. Key words. Electron temperature · Subauroral ion drift · Plasmasphere-ionosphere SUPIM
Anomalous electron density events in the quiet summer ionosphere at solar minimum over Millstone Hill
Authors: Pavlo A. V. , Buonsanto M. J.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. This study compares the observed behavior of the F region ionosphere over Millstone Hill with calculations from the IZMIRAN model for solar minimum for the geomagnetically quiet period 23-25 June 1986, when anomalously low values of hmF2(<200 km) were observed. We found that these low values of hmF2 (seen as a G condition on ionograms) exist in the ionosphere due to a decrease of production rates of oxygen ions resulting from low values of atomic oxygen density. Results show that determination of a G condition using incoherent scatter radar data is sensitive both to the true concentration of O+ relative to the molecular ions, and to the ion composition model assumed in the data reduction process. The increase in the O++ N 2 loss rate due to vibrationally excited N2 produces a reduction in NmF2 of typically 5-10% , but as large as 15% , bringing the model and data into better agreement. The effect of vibrationally excited NO+ ions on electron densities is negligible.Key words. Ionosphere (Ion chemistry and composition; Ionosphere-atmosphere interactions; Mid-latitude ionosphere).
The dependence of water potential in shoots of Picea abies on air and soil water status
Authors: Sellin A.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Where there is sufficient water storage in the soil the water potential (Ψx) in shoots of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] is strongly governed by the vapour pressure deficit of the atmosphere, while the mean minimum values of Ψx usually do not drop below –1.5 MPa under meteorological conditions in Estonia. If the base water potential (Ψb) is above –0.62 MPa, the principal factor causing water deficiency in shoots of P. abies may be either limited soil water reserves or atmospheric evaporative demand depending on the current level of the vapour pressure deficit. As the soil dries the stomatal control becomes more efficient in preventing water losses from the foliage, and the leaf water status, in turn, less sensitive to atmospheric demand. Under drought conditions, if Ψb falls below –0.62 MPa, the trees' water stress is mainly caused by low soil water availability. Further declines in the shoot water potential (below –1.5 MPa) can be attributed primarily to further decreases in the soil water, i.e. to the static water stress.Key words. Hydrology (evapotranspiration · plant ecology · soil moisture).
Long-term solar activity and terrestrial connections. Part I: theory
Authors: Diamantides N. D.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. The research task described herein aims at the structuring of an analytical tool that traces the time course of geophysical phenomena, regional or global, and compares it to the course of long-term solar conditions, long-term meaning decades or a few centuries. The model is based on the premise that since in a last analysis the preponderance of atmospheric, hydrospheric, and, possibly, some aspects of geospheric phenomena are, or have been, powered by energy issuing from the sun – either now or in the past, the long-term behavior of such phenomena is ultimately "connected" to long-term changes occurring in the sun itself. Accordingly, the proposed research firstly derives and models a stable surrogate pattern for the long-term solar activity, secondly introduces a transfer-function algorithm for modeling the connection between the surrogate and terrestrial phenomena viewed as partners in the connection, and thirdly probes the connection outcome for episodic or unanticipated effects that may arise due to the fact that in the present context, the connection, should it exist, is very likely nonlinear. Part I of the study presents the theory of the concept, while Part II demonstrates the concept's pertinence to a number of terrestrial phenomena.Key words. Solar activity · Kolmogorov algorithm
An initial response of magnetic fields at geosynchronous orbit to Pi 2 onset as observed from the dip-equator
Authors: Saka O. , Akaki H. , Watanabe O. , Shinohara M. , Baker D. N.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Fluxgate magnetometer data recorded at the dip-equator (Huancayo, Peru; 1.44°N, 355.9° in geomagnetic coordinates; 12.1°S, 75.2°W in geographic coordinates; L = 1.00) with higher accuracy of timing (0.1 s) and amplitude resolution (0.01 nT) were utilized to survey an onset of Pi 2 pulsations in the midnight sector (2100–0100 LT) during PROMIS (Polar Region and Outer Magnetosphere International Study) periods (1 March–20 June, 1986). It is found that changing field line magnitude and vector as observed by magnetometer on board the synchronous satellites in the midnight sector often takes place simultaneously with the onset of Pi 2 pulsations at the dip-equator. The field disturbances that follow thereafter tend to last for some time both at the geosynchronous altitudes and the dip-equator. In this report, we examine the initial response of the field lines in space, and attempt to classify how the field line vector changed in the meridional plane. Key words. Magnetospheric physics · Magnetospheric configuration and dynamics · MHD waves and instabilities · Plasmasphere
SuperDARN studies of the ionospheric convection response to a northward turning of the interplanetary magnetic field
Authors: Taylor J. R. , Cowley S. W. H. , Yeoman T. K. , Lester M. , Jones T. B. , Greenwald R. A. , Sofko G. , Villain J.-P. , Lepping R. P. , Hairston M. R.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. The response of the dayside ionospheric flow to a sharp change in the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) measured by the WIND spacecraft from negative Bz and positive By, to positive Bz and small By, has been studied using SuperDARN radar, DMSP satellite, and ground magnetometer data. In response to the IMF change, the flow underwent a transition from a distorted twin-cell flow involving antisunward flow over the polar cap, to a multi-cell flow involving a region of sunward flow at high latitudes near noon. The radar data have been studied at the highest time resolution available (~2 min) to determine how this transition took place. It is found that the dayside flow responded promptly to the change in the IMF, with changes in radar and magnetic data starting within a few minutes of the estimated time at which the effects could first have reached the dayside ionosphere. The data also indicate that sunward flows appeared promptly at the start of the flow change (within ~2 min), localised initially in a small region near noon at the equatorward edge of the radar backscatter band. Subsequently the region occupied by these flows expanded rapidly east-west and poleward, over intervals of ~7 and ~14 min respectively, to cover a region at least 2 h wide in local time and 5° in latitude, before rapid evolution ceased in the noon sector. In the lower latitude dusk sector the evolution extended for a further ~6 min before quasi-steady conditions again prevailed within the field-of-view. Overall, these observations are shown to be in close conformity with expectations based on prior theoretical discussion, except for the very prompt appearance of sunward flows after the onset of the flow change.Key words. Ionosphere (Auroral ionosphere) · Magnetospheric physics (Magnetopause · cusp · and boundary layers; Magnetosphere · ionosphere interaction)
The role of vibrationally excited oxygen and nitrogen in the ionosphere during the undisturbed and geomagnetic storm period of 6-12 April 1990
Authors: Pavlov A. V.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. We present a comparison of the observed behavior of the F-region ionosphere over Millstone Hill during the geomagnetically quiet and storm periods of 6–12 April 1990 with numerical model calculations from the IZMIRAN time-dependent mathematical model of the Earth's ionosphere and plasmasphere. The major enhancement to the IZMIRAN model developed in this study is the use of a new loss rate of O+(4S) ions as a result of new high-temperature flowing afterglow measurements of the rate coefficients K1 and K2 for the reactions of O+(4S) with N2 and O2. The deviations from the Boltzmann distribution for the first five vibrational levels of O2(v) were calculated, and the present study suggests that these deviations are not significant. It was found that the difference between the non-Boltzmann and Boltzmann distribution assumptions of O2(v) and the difference between ion and neutral temperature can lead to an increase of up to about 3 or a decrease of up to about 4 of the calculated NmF2 as a result of a respective increase or a decrease in K2. The IZMIRAN model reproduces major features of the data. We found that the inclusion of vibrationally excited N2(v > 0) and O2(v > 0) in the calculations improves the agreement between the calculated NmF2 and the data on 6, 9, and 10 April. However, both the daytime and nighttime densities are reproduced by the IZMIRAN model without the vibrationally excited nitrogen and oxygen on 8 and 11 April better than the IZMIRAN model with N2(v > 0) and O2(v > 0). This could be due to possible uncertainties in model neutral temperature and densities, EUV fluxes, rate coefficients, and the flow of ionization between the ionosphere and plasmasphere, and possible horizontal divergence of the flux of ionization above the station. Our calculations show that the increase in the O+ + N2 rate factor due to N2(v > 0) produces a 5-36 decrease in the calculated daytime peak density. The increase in the O++ O2 loss rate due to vibrational-ly excited O2 produces 8-46 reductions in NmF2. The effects of vibrationally excited O2 and N2 on Ne and Te are most pronounced during the daytime.Key words. Ion chemistry and composition · Ionosphere – atmosphere interactions · Ionospheric disturbances
Physical mechanism of strong negative storm effects in the daytime ionospheric F2 region observed with EISCAT
Authors: Mikhailov A. , Schlegel K.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. A self-consistent method for daytime F-region modelling was applied to EISCAT observations during two periods comprising the very disturbed days 3 April 1992 and 10 April 1990. The observed strong Ne decrease at F2-layer heights originated from different physical mechanisms in the two cases. The negative F2-layer storm effect with an NmF2 decrease by a factor of 6.4 on 3 April 1992 was produced by enhanced electric fields (E≈85 mV/m) and strong downward plasma drifts, but without any noticeable changes in thermospheric parameters. The increase of the O+ + N2 reaction rate resulted in a strong enrichment of the ionosphere with molecular ions even at F2-layer heights. The enhanced electric field produced a wide mid-latitude daytime trough on 03 April 1992 not usually observed during similar polarization jet events. The other strong negative storm effect on 10 April 1990 with a complete disappearance of the F2-layer maximum at the usual heights was attributed mainly to changes in neutral composition and temperature. A small value for the shape parameter S in the neutral temperature profile and a low neutral temperature at 120 km indicate strong cooling of the lower thermosphere. We propose that this cooling is due to increased nitric oxide concentration usually observed at these heights during geomagnetic storms.Key words. Atmospheric composition and structure · Thermosphere · Ionosphere · Ion chemistry and composition · Atmosphere interactions
Typical disturbances of the daytime equatorial F region observed with a high-resolution HF radar
Authors: Blanc E. , Houngninou E.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. HF radar measurements were performed near the magnetic equator in Africa (Korhogo 9°24'63''N–5°37'38''W) during the International Equatorial Electrojet Year (1993–1994). The HF radar is a high-resolution zenithal radar. It gives ionograms, Doppler spectra and echo parameters at several frequencies simultaneously. This paper presents a comparative study of the daytime ionospheric structures observed during 3 days selected as representative of different magnetic conditions, given by magnetometer measurements. Broad Doppler spectra, large echo width, and amplitude fluctuations revealed small-scale instability processes up to the F-region peak. The height variations measured at different altitudes showed gravity waves and larger-scale disturbances related to solar daytime influence and equatorial electric fields. The possibility of retrieving the ionospheric electric fields from these Doppler or height variation measurements in the presence of the other possible equatorial ionospheric disturbances is discussed.
Simultaneous ionospheric and magnetospheric observations of azimuthally propagating transient features during substorms
Authors: Yeoman T. K. , Mukai T. , Yamamoto T.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. During the 6th August 1995, the CUTLASS Finland HF radar ran in a high time resolution mode, allowing measurements of line-of-sight convection velocities along a single beam with a temporal resolution of 14 s. Data from such scans, during the substorm expansion phase, revealed pulses of equatorward flow exceeding ~600 m s–1 with a duration of ~5 min and a repetition period of ~8 min. Each pulse of enhanced equatorward flow was preceded by an interval of suppressed flow and enhanced ionospheric Hall conductance. These transient features, which propagate eastwards away from local midnight, have been interpreted as ionospheric current vortices associated with field-aligned current pairs. The present study reveals that these ionospheric convection features appear to have an accompanying signature in the magnetosphere, comprising a dawnward perturbation and dipolarisation of the magnetic field and dawnward plasma flow, measured in the geomagnetic tail by the Geotail spacecraft, located at L = 10 and some four hours to the east, in the postmidnight sector. These signatures are suggested to be the consequence of the observation of the same field aligned currents in the magnetosphere. Their possible relationship with bursty Earthward plasma flow and magnetotail reconnection is discussed.Key words. Ionosphere (Auroral · ionosphere) · Magnetospheric Physics (Magnetotail; Storms and substorms)
Spatial structure of auroral day-time ionospheric electron density irregularities generated by a powerful HF-wave
Authors: Tereshchenko E. D. , Khudukon B. Z. , Rietveld M. T. , Brekke A.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. We describe an experiment in satellite radio-wave probing of the ionosphere, modified by powerful waves from the HF heating facility at Tromsø (Norway) in May 1995. Amplitude scintillations and variations of the phase of VHF signals from Russian navigational satellites passing over the heated region were observed. We show that both large-scale electron density irregularities (several tens of kilometers in size) and small-scale ones (from hundreds of meters to kilometers) can be generated by the HF radiation. Maximum effects caused by small-scale irregularities detected in the satellite signals are observed in the directions sector approximately parallel to the geomagnetic field lines although large-scale structures can be detected within a much larger area. The properties of small-scale irregularities (electron density fluctuations) are investigated by applying a statistical analysis and by studying experimental and model mean values of the logarithm of the relative amplitude of the signal. The results indicate that satellite radio probing can be a supporting diagnostic technique for ionospheric heating and add valuable information to studies of effects produced by HF modification.Key words. Satellite radio-wave probing · HF radiation · Electron density irregularities · Statistical analysis · Ionospheric heating
The calculation of TV, VT, VV, VV' − rate coefficients for the collisions of the main atmospheric components
Authors: Kirillov A. S.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. The first-order perturbation approximation is applied to calculate the rate coefficients of vibrational energy transfer in collisions involving vibrationally excited molecules in the absence of non-adiabatic transitions. The factors of molecular attraction, oscillator frequency change, anharmonicity, 3-dimensionality and quasiclassical motion have been taken into account in the approximation. The analytical expressions presented have been normalized on experimental data of VT-relaxation times in N2 and O2 to obtain the steric factors and the extent of repulsive exchange potentials in collisions N2-N2 and O2-O2. The approach was applied to calculate the rate coefficients of vibrational-vibrational energy transfer in the collisions N2-N2, O2-O2 and N2-O2. It is shown that there is good agreement between our calculations and experimental data for all cases of energy transfer considered.Key words. Ionosphere (Auroral ionosphere; ion chemistry and composition). Atmospheric composition and structure (Aciglow and aurora).
Parametrization of the precipitation in the Northern Hemisphere and its verification in Mexico
Authors: Mendoza V. M. , Oda B. , Adem J.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. To improve results in monthly rainfall prediction, a parametrization of precipitation has been developed. The thermodynamic energy equation used in the Adem thermodynamic model (ATM) and the Clausius and Clapeyron equation, were used to obtain a linear parametrization of the precipitation anomalies as a function of the surface temperature and the 700 mb temperature anomalies. The observed rainfall in Mexico over 36 months, from January 1981 to December 1983, was compared with the results obtained of the heat released by condensation, which is proportional to precipitation, using our theoretical formula, and those obtained using a statistical formula, which was derived for the ATM using 12 years of hemispheric real data. The verification using our formula in Mexico, showed better results than the one using the statistical formula.Key words. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (climatology; convective processes; general circulation).
The effect of coastal upwelling on the sea-breeze circulation at Cabo Frio, Brazil: a numerical experiment
Authors: Franchito S. H. , Rao V. B. , Stech J. L. , Lorenzzetti J. A.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. The effect of coastal upwelling on sea-breeze circulation in Cabo Frio (Brazil) and the feedback of sea-breeze on the upwelling signal in this region are investigated. In order to study the effect of coastal upwelling on sea-breeze a non-linear, three-dimensional, primitive equation atmospheric model is employed. The model considers only dry air and employs boundary layer formulation. The surface temperature is determined by a forcing function applied to the Earth's surface. In order to investigate the seasonal variations of the circulation, numerical experiments considering three-month means are conducted: January-February-March (JFM), April-May-June (AMJ), July-August-September (JAS) and October-November-December (OND). The model results show that the sea-breeze is most intense near the coast at all the seasons. The sea-breeze is stronger in OND and JFM, when the upwelling occurs, and weaker in AMJ and JAS, when there is no upwelling. Numerical simulations also show that when the upwelling occurs the sea-breeze develops and attains maximum intensity earlier than when it does not occur. Observations show a similar behavior. In order to verify the effect of the sea-breeze surface wind on the upwelling, a two-layer finite element ocean model is also implemented. The results of simulations using this model, forced by the wind generated in the sea-breeze model, show that the sea-breeze effectively enhances the upwelling signal.Key words. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (mesoscale meteorology; ocean-atmosphere interactions) · Oceanography (numerical modeling)
Analysis of the effect of the coastal discontinuity on near-surface flow
Authors: Pryor S. C. , Barthelmie R. J.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Conditional sampling is used herein to examine the effect of fetch, stability, and surface roughness changes on wind speeds in the coastal zone. Using data from an offshore wind farm it is shown that at a distance of 1.2–1.7 km from the coast, up to a height of 20 m above the surface, differences in wind speed distributions from onshore and offshore masts are statistically significant for flow moving offshore under all stability conditions. In contrast, differences between the distribution of wind speeds at 38 and 48 m at masts located at the coast and in the coastal zone are not significant for flow moving offshore, indicating that flow at these heights is not fully adjusted to the change in surface roughness (land to sea). These findings are in accordance with calculations of the internal boundary layer (IBL) height which indicate that the IBL would frequently be below the two upper measurement heights at 1.2–1.6 km from the coast. The analyses presented here indicate that the wind speed distribution at a potential offshore wind farm site is not solely dependent on fetch (distance from the coast) but also depends on the stability climate.Key words. Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics · Mesoscale meteorology · Ocean-atmosphere interaction · Marine meteorology
Standing Alfvén waves with m ≫ 1 in an axisymmetric magnetosphere excited by a non-stationary source
Authors: Leonovich A. S. , Mazur V. A.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. As a continuation of our earlier paper, we consider here the case of the excitation of standing Alfvén waves by a source of the type of sudden impulse. It is shown that, following excitation by such a source, a given magnetic shell will exhibit oscillations with a variable frequency which increases from the shell's poloidal to toroidal frequency. Simultaneously, the oscillations will also switch over from poloidally (radially) to toroidally (azimuthally) polarized. With a reasonably large attenuation, only the start of this process, the stage of poloidal oscillations, will be observed in the ionosphere.Key words. Ionosphere-magnetosphere interactions · Wave propagation · MHD waves and instabilities
Further development in theory/data closure of the photoelectron-driven polar wind and day-night transition of the outflow
Authors: Tam S. W. Y. , Yasseen F. , Chang T.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Recent in situ observations have revealed novel features in the polar wind. Measurements between 5000 and 9000 km altitude by the Akebono satellite indicate that both H+ and O+ ions can have remarkably higher outflow velocities in the sunlit region than on the nightside. Electrons also display an asymmetric behavior: the dayside difference in energy spread, greater for upward-moving than downward-moving electrons, is absent on the nightside. Here, we discuss the further development of a theory by Tam et al. that can explain most of these observed peculiar properties by properly taking into account the global, kinetic, collisional effects of the sunlit photoelectrons, on the background polar wind and the electric field. Quantitative comparisons of the calculated results with actual data will be described. In addition, transition from the daytime photoelectron-driven polar wind to the night-time polar wind will be discussed.
A dynamically consistent analysis of circulation and transports in the southwestern Weddell Sea
Authors: Yaremchuk M. , Nechaev D. , Schroter J. , Fahrbach E.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. An inverse model is applied for the analysis of hydrographic and current meter data collected on the repeat WOCE section SR4 in the Weddell Sea in 1989–1992. The section crosses the Weddell Sea cyclonic gyre from Kapp Norvegia to the northern end of the Antarctic Peninsula. The concepts of geostrophy, conservation of planetary vorticity and hydrostatics are combined with advective balances of active and passive properties to provide a dynamically consistent circulation pattern. Our variational assimilation scheme allows the calculation of three-dimensional velocities in the section plane. Current speeds are small except along the coasts where they reach up to 12 cm/s. We diagnose a gyre transport of 34 Sverdrup which is associated with a poleward heat transport of 28×1012 W corresponding to an average heat flux of 15 Wm–2 in the Weddell Sea south of the transect. This exceeds the estimated local flux on the transect of 2 Wm–2. As the transect is located mostly in the open ocean, we conclude that the shelf areas contribute significantly to the ocean-atmosphere exchange and are consequently key areas for the contribution of the Weddell Sea to global ocean ventilation. Conversion of water masses occuring south of the section transform 6.6±1.1 Sv of the inflowing warm deep water into approximately equal amounts of Weddell Sea deep water and Weddell Sea bottom water. The volume transport of surface water equals in the in- and outflow. This means that almost all newly formed surface water is involved in the deep and bottom water formation. Comparison with the results obtained by pure velocity interpolation combined with a hydrographic data subset indicates major differences in the derived salt transports and the water mass conversion of the surface water. The differences can be explained by deviations in the structure of the upper ocean currents to which shelf areas contribute significantly. Additionally a rigorous variance analysis is performed. When only hydrographic data are used for the inversion both the gyre transport and the poleward heat transport are substantially lower. They amount to less than 40% of our best estimate while the standard deviations of both quantities are 6.5 Sv and 37×1012 W, respectively. With the help of long-term current meter measurements these errors can be reduced to 2 Sv and 8×1012 W. Our result underlines the importance of velocity data or equivalent information that helps to estimate the absolute velocities.Key words. Oceanography: General (Arctic and antarctic oceanography) · Oceanography: Physical (General circulation; Hydrography)
Letter to the Editor: Solar-cycle variation of the daily foF2 and M(3000)F2
Authors: Kouris S. S. , Bradley P. A. , Dominici P.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Daily values of the ionospheric characteristics foF2 and M(3000)F2 for a given hour and month are correlated with the corresponding daily values of sunspot number using measured data collected at seven European locations. The significance of applying different-order polynomials is considered and the times are confirmed when the higher-order terms are important. Mean correlation coefficients for combined data sets over all hours, months and stations are determined, together with the standard errors of estimates. Comparisons are made with corresponding figures for monthly median values derived from the same data sets.Key words. Electromagnetics (Guided waves) · Ionosphere (Ionospheric disturbances) · Radio Science (Radio wave propagation)
Observations of the upper frequency cutoffs of the auroral kilometric radiation
Authors: Hanasz J. , Schreiber R. , de Feraudy H. , Mogilevsky M. M. , Romantsova T. V.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Intense auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) is being frequently observed with POLRAD from the Auroral Probe (Interball-2). Observations of the abrupt upper frequency cutoffs (UFCs) in the spectra of AKR are reported. The UFCs can be observed at a frequency range from 300 to 700 kHz, corresponding to AKR generation altitudes from approximately 4800 to 2100 km, and are distributed in magnetic local time (MLT) hours similarly to the AKR events, with a maximum at 1 h MLT. The observed frequency extent of the UFCs is ≤12 kHz, and is often determined by the instrumental resolution (4 kHz). It is suggested that the UFC may be associated with an abrupt switching on of the generation mechanism, when the electron density becomes sufficiently low inside a plasma depletion at an altitude where the ratio of fpe/fce crosses some threshold value. The steepness of the UFCs can imply a non-linear process of generation. The estimated distance of the e-folding field aligned wave amplification is between 3 and 8 km. The UFCs are sometimes, though very seldom (<10%), accompanied by narrow band (less than 4 kHz) "ridges" of radiation observed at the cutoff frequency. They are smoothly drifting in frequncy for several minutes. The power density of radiation in the "ridge" can be up to 2 orders of magnitude stronger than in the accompanying wide band emission of AKR. The "ridge" at UFC can imply either energy concentration at the source bottom, or focusing, if specific conditions for the escape of the radiation are assumed.Key words. Magnetospheric physics (auroral phenomena; plasma waves and instabilities) · Radio science (magnetospheric physics)
Plasma drift estimates from the Dynasonde: comparison with EISCAT measurements
Authors: Sedgemore K. J. F. , Wright J. W. , Williams P. J. S. , Jones G. O. L. , Rietveld M. T.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Modern ionosondes make almost simultaneous measurements of the time rate of change of phase path in different directions and at different heights. By combining these 'Doppler' measurements and angles of arrival of many such radar echoes it is possible to derive reliable estimates of plasma drift velocity for a defined scattering volume. Results from both multifrequency and kinesonde-mode soundings at 3-min resolution show that the Dynasonde-derived F-region drift velocity is in good agreement with EISCAT, despite data loss during intervals of 'blanketing' by intense E-region ionisation. It is clear that the Tromsø Dynasonde, employing standard operating modes, gives a reliable indication of overall convection patterns during quiet to moderately active conditions.Key words. Auroral ionosphere · Plasma convection · Instruments and techniques
The spatial structure of the dayside ionospheric trough
Authors: Pryse S. E. , Kersley L. , Williams M. J. , Walker I. K.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Tomographic imaging provides a powerful technique for obtaining images of the spatial distribution of ionospheric electron density at polar latitudes. The method, which involves monitoring radio transmissions from the Navy Navigation Satellite System at a meridional chain of ground receivers, has particular potential for complementing temporal measurements by other observing techniques such as the EISCAT incoherent-scatter radar facility. Tomographic reconstructions are presented here from a two-week campaign in November 1995 that show large-scale structuring of the polar ionosphere. Measurements by the EISCAT radar confirm the authenticity of the technique and provide additional information of the plasma electron and ion temperatures. The dayside trough, persistently observed at high latitudes during a geomagnetically quiet period but migrating to lower latitudes with increasing activity, is discussed in relationship to the pattern of the polar-cap convection.Key words. Ionosphere-magnetosphere interactions · Polar ionosphere · Radio science · Ionospheric propagation
Application of tomographic inversion in studying airglow in the mesopause region
Authors: Nygrén T. , Taylor M. J. , Lehtinen M. S. , Markkanen M.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. It is pointed out that observations of periodic nightglow structures give excellent information on atmospheric gravity waves in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. The periods, the horizontal wavelengths and the phase speeds of the waves can be determined from airglow images and, using several cameras, the approximate altitude of the luminous layer can also be determined by triangulation. In this paper the possibility of applying tomographic methods for reconstructing the airglow structures is investigated using numerical simulations. A ground-based chain of cameras is assumed, two-dimensional airglow models in the vertical plane above the chain are constructed, and simulated data are calculated by integrating the models along a great number of rays with different elevation angles for each camera. After addition of random noise, these data are then inverted to obtain reconstructions of the models. A tomographic analysis package originally designed for satellite radiotomography is used in the inversion. The package is based on a formulation of stochastic inversion which allows the input of a priori information to the solver in terms of regularization variances. The reconstruction is carried out in two stages. In the first inversion, constant regularization variances are used within a wide altitude range. The results are used in determining the approximate altitude range of the airglow structures. Then, in the second inversion, constant non-zero regularization variances are used inside this region and zero variances outside it. With this method reliable reconstructions of the models are obtained. The number of cameras as well as their separations are varied in order to find out the limitations of the method.Key words. Tomography · Airglow · Mesopause · Gravity waves