2000 Incoherent Scatter Coordinated Observation Days
URSI-ISWG

Incoherent Scatter Coordinated Observation Days should start at 1300UT on the first day indicated (to ensure that all radars are operating correctly by 1600UT) and end at 1600UT on the last day indicated. However, radars are encouraged to start as early as possible on the first day where operational considerations allow.

Notes

1. POLITE: Protonospheric Observations of Light Ions
   Topside light ion morphology and dynamics using models and coordinated observations by the ISR chain and DMSP satellite overflights.
   • IMF support is not very important
   • New moon periods are critical for simultaneous neutral species measurements
   
   
   Contact: Phil Erickson
2. Global ionospheric convection - time-dependent model fitting
   Accurate measurements of the ionospheric electric field at several points on the globe are necessary for fine adjustment of current electrodynamic models.
   • All radars should concentrate on ionospheric electric field measurements, preferably in the magnetic field aligned position
   • A long run of several days (at least 3-5)
   • Cover as many IMF conditions as possible
   Contact: Kosch and Levitin
3. Hi-TRAC: High Time Resolution Auroral Radar Convection
   Combines incoherent and coherent scatter radars to provide optimum high latitude convection measurements.
   • High latitude radars should endevour to record high-time resolution line-of-sight velocities over as wide a latitude interval as possible.
   • Low latitude radars should use database (q.v.) modes.
   Contact: John Holt
4. Database: The emphasis should be on broad latitudinal coverage of the F region.
   Contact: Tony van Eyken
5. Wide-Latitude Substorm Dynamics
   These are 'floating' days, the exact operation dates to be selected about one month before based on available predictions.
   • Modes with temporal resolutions better than 5 minutes
   Contact: John Foster
6. SPARC: Space Physics and Aeronomy Research Collaboratry
   Exercise of online collaboratory tools that bring together researchers in upper atmospheric and space physics from around the world by linking together instruments, data, and models.
   Contact: Tim Killeen
7. Mid-July Baseline
   Improve statistics of all parameters measured by the ISRs for different levels of geomagnetic activity. These are deficient in summer.
   • 2-day experiment at any time during July, 2000
   • Widest latitude coverage possible
   • Good time-resolution is not necessay
   Contact: Mike Buonsanto
8. LTCS: Lower Thermosphere Coupling Study
   Combined local E and F region measurements, including vector velocities.
   • 15 minute time resolution
   • Latitudinal coverage may be sacrificed to time resolution
   Contact: Cassendra Fessen
9. CEDAR-TIMED Joint Observations of the Effects of Storms on the Lower Thermosphere
   Observations on the temperature and winds in the lower thermosphere during geomagnetic storms.
   • Data from the primary altitude range of 90-150 km
   • fine altitude and time resolution (similar to LTCS modes)
   • Data at altitudes in the middle and upper atmosphere to study coupling with the lower thermosphere.
   • Two 4 full day periods in Fall (Sep or Oct) and Winter 2000 (Nov, Dec or Jan 2001) the following the launch of the TIMED satellite (May 2000) and initial validation of its data.
   Special operational logistics:
   • Coordination with TIMED satellite
   • Observations during a major sustained geomagnetic storm (Kp>5 or 6)
   • A one-month period will be identified one year in advance, and then narrowed to a 10-day stand-by period 6 weeks before the start of the month.
   Contact: Joe Salah
10. Global Ionosphere-Thermosphere Coupling Study
    All radars should measure electron density, ion and electron temperature and ion velocities parallel to the magnetic field direction. Electric field measurements are not essential for monostatic radars.
    Objectives:
    
    • Fit and constrain global models of the thermosphere
    • Compute ion-neutral collision frequencies (O-O+)
    Both objectives are best studied during quiet geomagnetic conditions. In the case of substorms, however, a study of the global thermospheric response will be possible.
    Operations:
    
    • Neutral wind measurements at OID 630 nm are essential.
    • Neutral temperature measurements at OID 630 nm
    • All radars should measure in the magnetic field parallel direction.
    • Electron density, ion and electron temperature and ion velocities parallel to the magnetic field direction are required.
    • Ionospheric electric field measurements are not essential
    • A long coordinated run is preferred (3-5 days)
    • Moon free periods are essential
    Contact: Mike Kosch and Chantal Lathuillere