HR: 1340h
AN: SA43A-1062    [Abstracts]
TI: Observations of the Ionospheric Response in the Subauroral E-region to the Extreme Geomagnetic Storms of October and November 2003
AU: * Goncharenko, L P
EM: lpg@haystack.mit.edu
AF: MIT Haystack Observatory, Off Route 40, Westford, MA 01886 United States
AU: Salah, J E
EM: jsalah@haystack.mit.edu
AF: MIT Haystack Observatory, Off Route 40, Westford, MA 01886 United States
AB: The Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar (42.6N, 288.5E, 53Mlat) observed the ionospheric behavior during both the October and November 2003 superstorm events. The effects of these storms in the subauroral E-region are described and compared to those of the Bastille Day storm (July 15, 2000). During all three events, the Millstone Hill radar observed major increases in the ion and electron temperature as well as in the electron density. During the October 29-30, 2003 storm, the E-region ion temperature increased to 800-1000 K (i.e. by a factor of 2), while the electron density increased by a factor of 5. Simultaneous increases in both ion temperature and electron density are observed in the afternoon and evening sectors (18-24 UT) and are found to coincide with observations of a strong (250 m/s) vertical ion drift indicating the presence of an extremely enhanced electric field. Stronger ion heating, up to 1300 K, and a larger enhancement in electron density were observed on November 20, 2003, when the radar was located in the noon and evening sectors. These effects were also accompanied by a stronger (up to 400 m/s) vertical ion drift. These observations illustrate the penetration of storm effects in latitude and altitude in response to extreme geomagnetic storm drivers.
DE: 2467 Plasma temperature and density
DE: 2788 Storms and substorms
SC: SPA-Aeronomy [SA]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting