Evidence for a large scale electric field gradient at the onset of equatorial spread-F
Abstract
Barium-strontium release experiments were conducted at Sriharikota Rocket Range (SHAR, 5.5 deg N dip latitude) at the onset of equatorial spread-F. Reported here is an unusual phenomenon of the development of two barium ion clouds from a single release around 200 km altitude, moving with different speeds in different directions. This is the first experimental evidence for the presence of large scale electric field gradients with a scale size of 15 km. By incorporating neutral wind measured during spread-F into a numerical model for equatorial electrojet, these gradients are interpreted to be the manifestation of effects due to the meridional winds and wind shears. It is possible that the electric field gradients observed may lead to the generation of plasma holes during the onset of equatorial spread-F.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Atmospheric and Terrestrial Physics
- Pub Date:
- April 1984
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0021-9169(84)90120-X
- Bibcode:
- 1984JATP...46..355R
- Keywords:
-
- Electric Fields;
- Equatorial Atmosphere;
- F Region;
- Ionospheric Electron Density;
- Spread F;
- Barium;
- Equatorial Electrojet;
- Ions;
- Meridional Flow;
- Wind Shear