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First observations from the RISR‐C incoherent scatter radar
Author(s) -
Gillies R. G.,
Eyken A.,
Spanswick E.,
Nicolls M.,
Kelly J.,
Greffen M.,
Knudsen D.,
Connors M.,
Schutzer M.,
Valentic T.,
Malone M.,
Buonocore J.,
St.Maurice J.P.,
Donovan E.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
radio science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1944-799X
pISSN - 0048-6604
DOI - 10.1002/2016rs006062
Subject(s) - incoherent scatter , ionosphere , radar , physics , geodesy , interplanetary magnetic field , geology , plasma , geophysics , solar wind , computer science , telecommunications , quantum mechanics
First‐light measurements from the Canadian face of the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radar (RISR‐C) were taken in August of 2015. Data were taken for roughly 25 h on both RISR‐C and the North face of the Resolute Bay radar (RISR‐N) in an 11‐beam World Day mode. Overall, the measurements from the RISR‐C radar are of high quality and consistent with results from the RISR‐N radar. During the 25 h period analyzed in this study, the ionosphere responded to changes in orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field . During one particular event, a change from B z negative to positive and B y positive to negative caused the antisunward flow to stall, and a strong dawn‐to‐dusk flow, with decreased electron density and increased ion temperature, replaced it in the RISR‐C field of view. Overall, it is clear that measurements from the RISR‐C radar will complement and greatly expand the scope of ionospheric polar cap measurements.