SuperDARN measurements of double-peaked velocity spectra
Date
1996-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The SuperDARN HF radars in Saskatoon, Sask. and Kapuskasing, Ont. have
been used to measure Doppler velocity spectra of backscatter from the F-layer. A
special multi pulse sequence was developed to increase the number of measured autocovariance
points. These spectra were used to benchmark spectral estimators based
on the Fourier Transform and parametric spectral estimators. A parametric spectral
estimator using the Burg algorithm improved the resolution of the spectra. A distinct
double-peaked spectral signature was found in spatially localized regions. A comparison
with particle data as measured by a DMSP satellite suggests a strong spatial
correlation of soft-electron precipitation with great variability with the occurrence of
the spectral features. Several generating mechanisms for double-peak spectra are suggested,
including the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability and precipitation-induced electric
fields in arc and ray structures.
Description
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Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Physics and Engineering Physics
Program
Physics and Engineering Physics