On the seeding of equatorial spread F by gravity waves

Abstract

The Naval Research Laboratory three-dimensional simulation code SAMI3/ESF is used to study the response of the postsunset ionosphere to plane gravity waves. The effect of the vertical wind component of the wave is included as well as the effect of the background vertical wind, which can suppress equatorial spread F (ESF). It is shown that the strength of the coupling of the gravity wave to ESF increases with the vertical wavelength of the gravity wave. Long vertical wavelength modes (λ > 100 km) are more effective for seeding ESF. Key Points GW/ESF coupling increases with the vertical wavelength of the gravity wave The results are only partially consistent with the hypothesis of Tsunoda [2010] We demonstrate that an upward vertical background wind can suppress ESF ©2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.