Self-action effects associated with the generation of plasma irregularities during ionospheric modification experiments

Abstract

Five poster papers presented by various authors at the URSI Symposium on Active Experiments in Space Plasmas (Florence, August 1984) are previewed. New results from the heating facilities at both Arecibo and Ramfjordmoen are reported. The observations include: 1. (a) heater generated intermediate scale plasma irregularities diagnosed by UHF radio star scintillations, UHF radar incoherent scatter and HF signal fading techniques; 2. (b) UHF plasma line enhancements; 3. (c) anomalous absorption of both heater and HF diagnostic waves. These experimental results are discussed in terms of various self-action processes, such as self-focussing and pump depletion. The results of some recent theoretical investigations into anomalous absorption and reflection are also presented.