Fourteen consecutive years of 15-min scintillation index values observed at Lunping, Taiwan, by Huang have been analyzed by the lunar age superposition method. Analysis covers 24 hours per day and is performed separately for each of the four seasons. The analysis method is explained briefly. Statistically significant first and second lunar harmonics have been found at all seasons, but the largest and most significant occur in the summertime data (141 days, centered on the June solstice). During the daytime the probability of scintillations at Lunping is significantly correlated with f0Es (the ordinary wave top frequency of sporadic E). We conclude that our lunar harmonics probably result from the modulation, in the E region, of neutral winds of solar thermal origin by upward propagating lunar tides. The nighttime scintillations are larger, and tidal neutral air velocities seem to play a role in the production mechanisms(s). There is clear evidence for both the summertime temperate latitude type of scintillations observed in Japan and the scintillations, mainly equinoctial, arising from the equatorial bubble mechanism. Four distinct, statistically significant summertime scintillation periods are found; plus one each in the autumnal and winter data. At attempt is made to identify the production mechanism associated with each. The prominent role of lunar tides in both equatorial and temperate latitude types of scintillation is noted, and the statistical significance of the results is discussed briefly. The potential value of analyzing numerous existing data bases by this method is mentioned. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1993 |