EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Lühr et al. 2002
Lühr, H., Maus, S., Rother, M. and Cooke, D. (2002). First in-situ observation of night-time F region currents with the CHAMP satellite. Geophysical Research Letters 29: doi: 10.1029/2001GL013845. issn: 0094-8276.

The CHAMP satellite in its polar, low-Earth orbit (450 km altitude) is a suitable platform for studying F region currents. High precision magnetic field measurements are used to detect and characterize these upper ionospheric currents on the Earth's nightside. A few examples are presented to illustrate the special features of the currents and a statistical study is performed on half a year of data revealing their global distribution. We find a spatial confinement of the currents to the near-equatorial region bounded by the Appleton anomaly and their appearance in the pre-midnight sector. The distribution with longitude exhibits high occurrence rates in the Atlantic sector and very few events in the Indian sector. The currents flow generally westward at a height-integrated current density of several mA/m. Small-scale fluctuations observed in current intensity are interpreted as an indication for plasma instabilities in the F region. Our analysis indicates that the appearance of F region currents is coupled with the presence of plasma bubbles.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Ionosphere, Equatorial ionosphere, Ionosphere, Current systems, Ionosphere, Ionospheric irregularities
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit