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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Imaging equatorial spread F irregularities with the Sao Luis coherent backscatter radar interferometer

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Author(s):
Rodrigues, F. S. [1] ; Moraes, A. O. [2] ; de Paula, E. R. [3]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Atmospher & Space Technol Res Associates, Boulder, CO 80301 - USA
[2] Inst Aeronaut & Espaco, BR-12228904 Sao Jose Dos Campos - Brazil
[3] Inst Nacl Pesquisas Espaciais, BR-12201970 Sao Jose Dos Campos - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: RADIO SCIENCE; v. 47, MAR 30 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 4
Abstract

We present new results of a study of the interferometric coherent backscatter radar imaging technique applied to Sao Luis observations made on the night of 1 December 2005. The range-time-intensity (RTI) map of the observations shows echoes occurring near the F region peak and topside heights followed by echoing layers confined to bottomside F region heights. Analyses of the measurements made on this night allowed us to investigate the ability of the Sao Luis radar interferometer to provide information about the morphology of the scattering structures responsible for different types of equatorial spread F echoing layers. Results show that topside echoes were produced by a vertically elongated, horizontally narrow scattering channel of irregularities associated with a large-scale plasma depletion ({''}bubble{''}) as evidenced by colocated GPS scintillation measurements. Bottomside echoes were caused by structured, eastward drifting scattering regions with limited vertical development. Bottom-type echoes, on the other hand, were detected at heights below the minimum altitude of the bottomside echoes and were caused by an undifferentiated scattering region. Our imaging results are discussed in light of current equatorial spread F theories and previous higher-resolution imaging observations made at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory. (AU)