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Gravity wave signatures in the dip equatorial ionosphere‐thermosphere system during the annular solar eclipse of 15 January 2010
Author(s) -
Manju G.,
Madhav Haridas M. K.,
Ramkumar G.,
Pant Tarun K.,
Sridharan R.,
Sreelatha P.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: space physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-9402
pISSN - 2169-9380
DOI - 10.1002/2014ja019865
Subject(s) - ionosonde , solar eclipse , thermosphere , ionosphere , eclipse , equator , geophysics , gravity wave , blanketing , f region , physics , gravitational wave , geology , atmospheric sciences , electron density , geodesy , latitude , plasma , astronomy , stars , quantum mechanics
The present work pertains to the eclipse‐induced gravity wave modulations in the ionosphere‐thermosphere region over Trivandrum (8.5°N, 77°E, dip 2°N) during the annular solar eclipse of 15 January 2010. Electron density and neutral wind rocket payload measured horizontal winds and electron densities at E region altitudes, and ionosonde‐derived f o F 1 and f o F 2 parameters are used to analyze the characteristics of the eclipse‐induced gravity waves. The analysis reveals an intensification of gravity waves with periods around 30–100 min during the peak phase of the eclipse. The vertical wavelength of the prevalent wave is found to be around 2 km. The role of gravity wave‐induced winds in generating blanketing E s over the equator is also examined.