Effects of an atmospheric gravity wave on the midlatitude ionospheric F layer

摘要: A modeling study of the atmospheric response to a single short burst enhanced ion convection at high latitudes, undertaken using Sheffield/University College London/Space Environment Laboratory coupled ionosphere/thermosphere model, has revealed large-scale gravity wave (AGW) moving equatorward from source in dawn sector auroral zone. The propagates midlatitude, perturbing ionosphere and creating traveling ionospheric disturbance. Analysis interaction between thermosphere during passage AGW midlatitudes is reveals complex height-dependent response. At lower altitudes field-aligned velocity ions follows closely wind. Above F peak, diffusion processes become important shows fluctuations which exceded those Changes N{sub m}F{sub 2} h{sub m} F{sub 2}, interaction, are due redistribution plasma alone with changes production loss insignificant. As layer lifted by positive surge wave, decreases, divergence flux, itself caused combination divergent neutral wind an increase effects altitude. slab thickness alsomore » increases. Subsequently, opposite happens as falls below its equilibrium value. 14 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.« less