Open AccessA survey of plasma irregularities as seen by the midlatitude Blackstone SuperDARN radar
Author(s) -
Ribeiro A. J.,
Ruohoniemi J. M.,
Baker J. B. H.,
Clausen L. B. N.,
Greenwald R. A.,
Lester M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: space physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/2011ja017207
Subject(s) - plasmasphere , middle latitudes , ionosphere , geophysics , backscatter (email) , geology , magnetosphere , radar , earth's magnetic field , geomagnetic storm , latitude , f region , geomagnetic latitude , atmospheric sciences , geodesy , plasma , physics , magnetic field , wireless , telecommunications , quantum mechanics , computer science
The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) is a chain of HF radars that monitor plasma dynamics in the ionosphere. In recent years, SuperDARN has expanded to midlatitudes in order to provide enhanced coverage during geomagnetically active periods. A new type of backscatter from F region plasma irregularities with low Doppler velocity has been frequently observed on the nightside during quiescent conditions. Using three years of data from the Blackstone, VA radar, we have implemented a method for extracting this new type of backscatter from routine observations. We have statistically characterized the occurrence properties of the Sub Auroral Ionospheric Scatter (SAIS) events, including the latitudinal relationships to the equatorward edge of the auroral oval and the ionospheric projection of the plasmapause. We find that the backscatter is confined to local night, occurs on ≈70% of nights, is fixed in geomagnetic latitude, and is equatorward of both the auroral region and the plasmapause boundary. We conclude that SAIS irregularities are observed within a range of latitudes that is conjugate to the inner magnetosphere (plasmasphere).