Artificial magnetic pulsation generation by powerful ground-based transmitter

Abstract

The magnetic pulsation generation by powerful ground-based transmitter is considered. The magnetic pulsation generation is based on the heating of electrons by a powerful radio wave. The electron temperature increase produces a change in both the electron collision frequency and the recombination factor that produces an ionospheric conductivity variation, ionospheric currents variation and magnetic pulsation generation. Experimental investigation at the heating facility near Tromsø has shown that the magnetic pulsation amplitude differs greatly from case to case. The results of calculations of the generated magnetic pulsation amplitude as a function of initial electron density profiles and heating wave parameters (the wave frequency and effective radiated power) are presented. Anomalous absorption and a “translucence effect” due to the enhancement of electron temperature are considered. Since the anomalous absorption of the heating wave depends on the wave energy flux in unit volume it is not reasonable if the radiated beam width is too narrow. In conclusion some geophysical applications are considered: these are the magnetic pulsation polarization as a tool for electric field determination, Alfven wave generation and the Alfven resonator excitation in lower exosphere.