D-region research at Arecibo

J. D. Mathews

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10 Scopus citations

Abstract

The D-region research in progress at Arecibo Observatory is described. This research includes various measurements of the D-region proper and of the 85-100 km upper boundary of the D-region. Instruments utilized include the 430 MHz Thomson scatter radar, the airglow observatory, and the nearby meteor radar. The Thomson scatter radar is used to obtain electron and total negative ion density, ion-neutral collision frequency, and neutral atmosphere temperatures and winds. The airglow observatory is being used to obtain atmospheric temperatures near 85 km altitude using the OH(8-3) emissions and near 97 km altitude using the O2(0-1) emissions. Twilight resonant scattering from FeI and CaII is used to determine the height distributions of these metals in 60-150 km region. The meteor radar is employed as a continuous monitor of the 85-105 km winds. The utility and implications of these measurements regarding knowledge of D-region processes is discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)549-556
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Terrestrial Physics
Volume43
Issue number5-6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1981

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Environmental Science
  • Geophysics
  • General Engineering
  • Atmospheric Science
  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

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