Plasma density undulations in the nighttime mid-latitude F-region as observed by CHAMP, KOMPSAT-1, and DMSP F15

Abstract

We investigate plasma density undulations in the nighttime mid-latitude topside F-region. During solar maximum years the undulations are found at CHAMP, KOMPSAT-1, and DMSP F15 altitudes. The occurrence rate is higher at KOMPSAT-1 than at DMSP F15 altitude. The undulations occur infrequently during equinoxes, and the occurrence peaks are in the Asian/Oceanian (eastern Pacific/American) region during June (December) solstice. At CHAMP altitude the undulations are observed all through the night, and the occurrence rate is anti-correlated with the solar cycle. As all these results are in general agreement with known climatology of MSTIDs, we suggest that the undulations are a topside signature of MSTIDs. The undulations are often but not always accompanied by magnetic signatures indicating the presence of field-aligned current (FAC). The partial lack in correspondence might be due to the ionospheric conductivity variation. The similar distribution is, however, in support of a connection between density undulations and FACs. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.