HR: 08:55h
AN: SA41A-04    [PDF]
TI: Non-specular meteor trail diagnostics
AU: * Dyrud, L
EM: ldyrud@bu.edu
AF: Center for Space Physics, Boston University, 725 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215 United States
AU: Oppenheim, M
AF: Center for Space Physics, Boston University, 725 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215 United States
AU: Close, S
AF: Center for Space Physics, Boston University, 725 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215 United States
AU: Ray, L
AF: Center for Space Physics, Boston University, 725 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215 United States
AU: McMillion, K
AF: Center for Space Physics, Boston University, 725 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215 United States
AB: Plasma simulations demonstrate that meteor trails are unstable to growth of gradient-drift Farley-Buneman (GDFB) waves that become turbulent and generate large B-field aligned irregularities (FAI). These simulations and our analysis indicate that the non-specular echos, that can extend between 5-10 km in altitude range, are reflections from plasma instability generated FAI. We present models showing that the specific altitude range of trail instability depends on meteor and atmospheric properties. This variability will allow researchers to infer neutral temperature, neutral wind velocity, and meteoric velocity and composition in completely new ways. We demonstrate some of these non-specular trail diagnostic techniques using radar observations from the ALTAIR and Piura radar facilities. Finally, we present examples of a low altitude variety of non-specular echos that may be related to PMSE.
DE: 2439 Ionospheric irregularities
DE: 6245 Meteors
SC: SPA - Aeronomy [SA]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting