Evidence For The Tongue of Ionisation In The Winter Dayside Ionosphere Over Svalbard
Abstract
Results are presented from a multi-instrument investigation of the dayside ionosphere at high latitudes, under conditions of Bz<0, that provide evidence for the tongue- of-ionisation (TOI) in winter over Svalbard. The TOI, transporting photoionisation from sub-auroral latitudes into the polar cap, has been identified in three successive tomography images at latitudes on the equatorward edge of the auroral region in the post-noon sector. Simultaneous observations by the ESR incoherent scatter radar re- veal cold plasma of increased density in the vicinity of the throat region where the TOI enters the polar cap. Supporting evidence for the feature is provided by optical emissions measured by meridian scanning photometers, together with plasma drift and particle observations from DMSP satellites. The observations are discussed in light of earlier modelling studies of the TOI.
- Publication:
-
EGS General Assembly Conference Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002EGSGA..27.1382P