CEDAR: Measuring E Region Plasma Densities at the Magnetic Equator

Clemson University, Clemson SC

Investigators

Abstract

ATM9978792abs This is a proof of concept study to test the feasibility of measuring ionospheric plasma density profiles using existing, low-power, ground-based radar. The method utilizes the Faraday rotation of radar signals coherently scattered by plasma density irregularities. Such a method necessitates the use of a bistatic radar system, to be composed of transmitting elements in Piura, Peru, and receiving and data acquisition equipment at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory. Electron densities can not be made by the Jicamarca radar by itself because of the radar clutter generated by small-scale irregularities in the electrojet. It is important to know the E-region electron density because its variability affects the growth rate and decay of plasma instabilities. This quantity is an essential input to many models of the low latitude ionosphere. If this study is successful, it will establish an effective means to measure equatorial plasma densities using low-power, ground-based instrumentation.