Formation and Breakdown of High-Latitude Density Cells in Response to Ion Drag Forcing

Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio TX

Investigators

Abstract

The TIME-GCM model is used in a series of steps to investigate the mechanism for creation of a four-cell density pattern in the disturbed high latitude ionosphere-thermosphere system. The central hypothesis is that dynamical breakdown of the quiescent two-cell pattern, caused by fluid sheer during strong electrodynamic forcing events (storms), produces the four-cell pattern. The research examines the hypothesis by first isolating the physical mechanisms generating the two-cell pattern and their variations of a solar cycle, then examines correlation between four-cell generation and solar and magnetic activity indices. The morphology of cell development is also indexed to wind and temperature variations accompanying the cell structures, and is separated from the effects of tides and gravity waves.