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AGU: Geophysical Research Letters

 

Keywords

  • equatorial ionosphere
  • spread F
  • ionospheric irregularities

Index Terms

  • Ionosphere: Ionospheric irregularities
  • Ionosphere: Ionospheric disturbances
  • Ionosphere: Equatorial ionosphere
  • Ionosphere: Ionospheric dynamics

Abstract

GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, VOL. 35, L10102, 5 PP., 2008
doi:10.1029/2008GL033509

Three-dimensional equatorial spread F modeling

J. D. Huba

Plasma Physics Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D. C., USA

G. Joyce

Icarus Research, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, USA

J. Krall

Plasma Physics Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D. C., USA

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has developed a new three-dimensional code to study equatorial spread F (ESF). The code is based on the comprehensive NRL 3D ionosphere model SAMI3 and includes a potential equation to self-consistently solve for the electric field. The model assumes equipotential field lines so a 2D electrodynamic problem is considered. In this study a narrow wedge of the post-sunset ionosphere is simulated. It is found that (1) bubbles can rise to ∼1600 km, (2) extremely steep ion density gradients can develop in both longitude and latitude, (3) upward plasma velocities approach 1 km/s, and (4) the growth time of the instability is ≃15 min. These results are shown to be consistent with radar and satellite observations.

Received 1 February 2008; accepted 21 March 2008; published 23 May 2008.

Citation: Huba, J. D., G. Joyce, and J. Krall (2008), Three-dimensional equatorial spread F modeling, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L10102, doi:10.1029/2008GL033509.

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