First observations from the RISR-C incoherent scatter radar

Abstract

First-light measurements from the Canadian face of the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radar (RISR-C) were taken in August of 2015. Data were taken for roughly 25 h on both RISR-C and the North face of the Resolute Bay radar (RISR-N) in an 11-beam World Day mode. Overall, the measurements from the RISR-C radar are of high quality and consistent with results from the RISR-N radar. During the 25 h period analyzed in this study, the ionosphere responded to changes in orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field. During one particular event, a change from Bz negative to positive and By positive to negative caused the antisunward flow to stall, and a strong dawn-to-dusk flow, with decreased electron density and increased ion temperature, replaced it in the RISR-C field of view. Overall, it is clear that measurements from the RISR-C radar will complement and greatly expand the scope of ionospheric polar cap measurements.