High-latitude e and F region coupling signature: A case study results from rapid-run ionosonde

Abstract

Rapid-run ionosonde installed in the high-latitude Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory enables us to observe for the first time extraordinary details of E-F region coupling process in high-latitude ionosphere during geomagnetically quiet period. We present an example on 15 August 2009 when a dense, patchy sporadic E layer was detected. Associated with this unstable sporadic E layer, exhibiting in addition an unusual enhancement with a vertical extent of about 10km, the highly structured F layer plasma was observed with apparent plasma depletions. We examine this event taking into account the presence of mesoscale traveling ionospheric disturbances which can initiate coupling between these two regions and compare the data with current theories. Key Points Rapid-run ionosonde measures E-F region coupling Unstable sporadic E couples with F region High-latitude E-F region coupling considered quantitatively