Experimental data and a simulation study of the CRRES G-9 ionospheric barium release are presented. Comparison of optical images of the release at times t≂0 and 21 sec indicate that the cloud 'skidded' ~9 km. The simulation study is based upon a 2D electrostatic code which incorporates time-dependent coupling to the background plasma. We find that the densest portion of the barium ion cloud 'skids' ~15 km within the first 3 sec following the release, consistent with analyses of the optical data. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1992