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On seeding, large‐scale wave structure, equatorial spread F , and scintillations over Vietnam
Author(s) -
Tsunoda Roland T.,
Yamamoto Mamoru,
Tsugawa Takuya,
Hoang Thai Lan,
Tulasi Ram S.,
Thampi Smitha V.,
Chau Ha Duyen,
Nagatsuma Tsutomu
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2011gl049173
Subject(s) - ionosonde , sunset , longitude , seeding , space weather , total electron content , scale (ratio) , tec , atmospheric sciences , ionosphere , meteorology , latitude , geology , environmental science , climatology , geophysics , electron density , geodesy , geography , physics , astronomy , cartography , electron , quantum mechanics , thermodynamics
Understanding the day‐to‐day variability in occurrence of equatorial spread F (ESF) remains as a high‐priority objective in space weather research. A major difficulty has been an inability to resolve the roles being played by large‐scale wave structure (LSWS) and the post‐sunset rise (PSSR) of the equatorial F layer, in the production of ESF. In this paper, we show conclusively that total electron content (TEC), measured as a function of latitude and longitude, provides clear, routine descriptions of LSWS. Then, together with ionosonde data, we show, for the first time, that while a seed for LSWS can occur in the late afternoon, its amplification takes place mostly during the PSSR. Implications of these findings are discussed in light of existing theories.