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Data · dataset · 2026

Resolving the high-latitude ionospheric irregularity spectra using multi-point incoherent scatter radar measurements

Listed in National Center for Atmospheric Research

To provide new insights into the relationship between geomagnetic conditions and plasma irregularity scale-sizes, high-latitude irregularity spectra are computed using a novel Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) technique.

Description

This new technique leverages: (a) the ability of phased array Advanced Modular ISR (AMISR) technology to collect volumetric measurements of plasma density, (b) the slow F-region cross-field plasma diffusion at scales greater than 10 km, and (c) the high dip angle of geomagnetic field lines at high-latitudes.

The resulting irregularity spectra are of a higher spatiotemporal resolution than what has been previously possible with ISRs. Spatial structures as small as 20 km are resolved in less than 2 minutes (depending on the radar mode). In this work, we focus on Resolute Bay ISR-North (RISR-N) observations operating in the "imaginglptight" mode.

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In addition to having an unprecedented view of the size and occurrence of irregularities as they traverse the polar cap, we find that as the F-region plasma density decreases below approximately 2.5 x 10(10) m(-3) at 350 km altitude the spectral power shifts to scale-sizes lower than 50 km. Additionally, near magnetic local noon, the spectral power shifts to scales greater than 50 km, and from 15 to 6 magnetic local time, the spectral power shifts to scales lower than 50 km.

This reflects the role of photoionization dominating high-latitude ionospheric structuring in the polar cap.

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Atmospheric sciences 74%
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