High latitude riometer data from the Alaska meridian chain of stations are presented in the form of contour maps and are compared with the distribution of auroras derived from all-sky camera observations for intervals of time during 3 days of 1973. From this comparison it has been shown that the signature of the various forms of the diffuse and discrete aurora can be readily identified in riometer data. In the early evening sector, frequently strong radio wave absorption has been observed in association with 'trough region auroras,' which are believed to be caused by quasi-trapped particle populations situated equatorward of the normal diffuse aurora. Weak absorption (previously described as 'prebay absorption') is associated with the normal diffuse aurora. Very intense precipitation, often lasting for only a short time, accompanies westward traveling surges in the premidnight sector and is usually observed on the poleward edge of the auroral oval, although enhanced absorption may also occur equatorward of the surge in association with an enhancement of the diffuse aurora. In the midnight sector, intense absorption is coincident with the poleward expanding bulge observed after the substorm onset. Absorption events of this nature can occur simultaneously over a range of latitudes. In the morning sector, strong absorption events tend to occur near the equatorward edge of the auroral oval. These events are associated with torchlike structure or patches in the diffuse aurora.