info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Equatorial spread-F initiation: Post-sunset vortex, thermospheric winds, gravity waves
Fecha
2007-12Registro en:
index-oti2018
Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics
Autor
Kudeki, Erhan
Akgiray, Ahmed
Milla, Marco
Chau Chong Shing, Jorge Luis
Hysell, David L.
Institución
Resumen
We present experimental evidence and modeling results which indicate that eastward thermospheric wind is the primary controlling factor of equatorial spread-F initiation in the post-sunset ionosphere. Eastward wind-driven Pedersen currents are able to polarize F-region density perturbations with westward tilting wavefronts into rapidly growing modes to trigger the formation of spread-F bubbles. The described process is so rapid that seeding requirements of spread-F initiation by external factors such as gravity waves are effectively eliminated.