On the spatiotemporal evolution of the ionospheric backscatter during magnetically disturbed periods as observed by the TIGER Bruny Island HF radar

Abstract

The Superposed Epoch Analysis (SEA) method is used to examine a 4-year database (2000–2003) of the TIGER Bruny Island radar (MLON=226.78°E, MLAT=55.06°S) measurements to determine typical patterns of the spatiotemporal evolution of ionospheric backscatter during geomagnetically disturbed periods. SEA is performed separately for three disturbance categories: short-, medium-, and long-duration magnetic disturbances, based on the Dst index variation. Prior to SEA, the diurnal, seasonal, and solar cycle effects have been accounted for by subtracting the nominal quiet-time values. It is found that the occurrence of ionospheric HF backscatter exhibited strongest enhancements near t=0 h between 65°S and 70°S MLAT (range of 800–2500 km) during short-duration magnetic disturbance. In contrast, a reduction in echo occurrence first occurred near t=0 h at higher ranges ( r≥2500 km) and expanded equatorwards during the recovery phase of the magnetic disturbances. This reduction in occurrence became progressively stronger and prolonged for medium- and long-duration magnetic disturbances. These categories also showed clear enhancements in the E-region backscatter ( r<765 km) commencing from t=0 h. These observations can be explained by three main factors: (1) an enhancement in the E-region densities due to high-energy particle precipitation during magnetically disturbed periods causing the HF radar waves to refract from smaller altitudes and closer ranges, (2) a variability in the F-region densities associated with magnetic disturbances also affecting the propagation of the HF radar waves, and (3) a short-lived strong enhancement in growth rate of decametre-scale ionospheric irregularities when IMF turned southwards causing the highest echo occurrence near t=0 h during SEA.