Articles | Volume 14, issue 12
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00585-996-1403-x
Special issue:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00585-996-1403-x
31 Dec 1996
31 Dec 1996

A comparison of EISCAT and Dynasonde measurements of the auroral ionosphere

K. J. F. Sedgemore, P. J. S. Williams, G. O. L. Jones, and J. W. Wright

Abstract. Incoherent-scatter radar and ionospheric sounding are powerful and complementary techniques in the study of the Earth's ionosphere. The work presented here involves the use of the Tromsø Dynasonde as a correlative diagnostic with the EISCAT incoherent-scatter radar. A comparison of electron-density profiles shows how a Dynasonde can be used to calibrate an incoherent-scatter radar and to monitor changes in the system. Skymaps of the direction of Dynasonde echoes are compared with EISCAT-derived density profiles to illustrate how a Dynasonde can be used to measure the drift velocity of auroral features. Vector velocities fitted to Dynasonde echoes are compared with EISCAT-derived plasma velocities. The results show good agreement when the data are taken during quiet to moderately active conditions and averaged over time scales of 30 min or more.

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