Comparison Of Simultaneous MST Radar And Electron Density Probe Measurements In The Polar Mesosphere

Abstract

Rockets containing dc probes were launched at Poker Flat, Alaska in two different campaigns in June 1983 and July 1986 to measure electron density irregularities with high spatial resolution. They were launched at times when the MST radar showed regions of intense backscatter in the mesosphere. Large changes and strong gradients in the electron density are observed in the region of most intense backscatter. The electron density profiles in general show different characteristics in the peak scattering region. Two profiles, one from each campaign, however, show a deep 'bite out' or depletion in electron density near 86 km. Spectra of the spatial density fluctuations are derived from the first campaign results. In the region of most intense backscatter, the power is up over the whole frequency range by almost 5 orders of magnitude. An intercomparison of the probe data is given, followed by a comparison between the measured radar echo power and calculated echo power based on the in situ rocket measurements.