Growth rate simulations of instability mechanisms at low and mid-latitudes for explaining equatorial spread F

One of the ongoing fields of ionospheric research is studying the characteristics and behavior of Equatorial Spread F (ESF). The general seasonalities of ESF occurrence are well known, but much work remains to be done in learning its day--to--day variability. Understanding the complexities of the ionosphere is important for communication systems whose signals pass through Earth's atmosphere because knowledge of outages or detriments to the system benefit the user. This thesis presents climatological modeling of ionospheric instabilities for both low-- and mid--latitude locations. The purpose of the modeling is to provide simulation support for observations of mid--latitude medium--scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) coupling into equatorial regions and initiating ESF there. It is proposed that the polarization electric fields of MSTIDs provide the seed mechanism to initiate ESF for post--midnight, solar minimum times. To begin, background information on the ionosphere is presented and instability mechanisms are investigated. Then, models of the growth rate of the instabilities for both low and mid--latitudes are developed from theory. The growth rate models are then compared with radar data from Christmas Island. The simulations will help validate the observational evidence of MSTIDs seeding ESF.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Duly, Timothy M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Makela, Jonathan J.

• Equatorial Spread F (ESF)
• mid--latitude medium--scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs)
• Perkins Instability
• Growth Rate Simulations
• ionosphere

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2011 Timothy M. Duly

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/26078

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/26078