Observed redistribution of E-region ionization by neutral winds

Abstract

Sequential measurements of electron density profiles are compared with the ionization drift velocities derived from simultaneously obtained neutral wind velocities. The measurements resulted from a series of 5 rocket flights launched at Wallops Island during a 6-hr period in the morning of 22 February 1968. The electron density profiles were measured with a Langmuir probe during rocket ascent and the wind profiles were determined from vapor trails released during descent. The computed ion drift velocities describe accurately the upper portion of the electron density profiles which are characterized by a slowly descending layer of enhanced electron density. The small and slowly varying drift velocities in the lower E-region cannot be so simply related to the complex structure observed in the electron density. The data from the upper portion of the electron density profiles are used to calculate the value of the recombination coefficient. This value compares well with laboratory measurements.