High‐latitude plasma structure and scintillation

Abstract

Observations of high‐latitude plasma structure and scintillation are presented from the January 2001 scintillation campaign timeframe. Comparisons are made using the all‐sky imager and two beacon‐satellite ground receivers located at Sondrestrom, Greenland. The Coherent Ionospheric Doppler Receiver (CIDR) observes 150‐ and 400‐MHz signals transmitted from low‐Earth‐orbiting satellites. The 250‐MHz polar beacon‐satellite system observes signals from highly elliptical orbiting satellites. F region patches, F region precipitation arcs, and auroral arcs were observed. Intermediate‐scale structure was observed on the leading and trailing edges of patches prior to exiting the polar cap. Banded structure was observed across an F region arc. Additional beacon‐satellite receivers in Greenland and Alaska provide a unique opportunity to study the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of patch structures and their associated scintillation.