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Ann. Geophys., 16, 1138-1143, 1998
www.ann-geophys.net/16/1138/1998/
© European Geosciences Union 1998
Plasma drift estimates from the Dynasonde: comparison with EISCAT measurements
K. J. F. Sedgemore1,*, J. W. Wright1, P. J. S. Williams1, G. O. L. Jones2, and M. T. Rietveld3
1Prifysgol Cymru Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BZ, Wales
2British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Rd., Cambridge CB3 OET, England
3EISCAT Scientific Association, Ramfjordmoen, N-9020 Tromsdaten, Norway
*Present address: Dept. Physics, University of Southampton, Highfield, S017 1BJ, UK e-mail: kjs@soton.ac.uk
Abstract. Modern ionosondes make almost simultaneous
measurements of the time rate of change of phase path in different directions
and at different heights. By combining these 'Doppler' measurements and angles
of arrival of many such radar echoes it is possible to derive reliable estimates
of plasma drift velocity for a defined scattering volume. Results from both
multifrequency and kinesonde-mode soundings at 3-min resolution show that the
Dynasonde-derived F-region drift velocity is in good agreement with
EISCAT, despite data loss during intervals of 'blanketing' by intense E-region
ionisation. It is clear that the Tromsø Dynasonde, employing standard operating
modes, gives a reliable indication of overall convection patterns during quiet
to moderately active conditions.
Key words. Auroral ionosphere · Plasma convection ·
Instruments and techniques
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