Coordinated measurements of low-energy electron precipitation and scintilations/TEC in the auroral oval

A geostationary satellite transmitting at 244 MHz was employed in a coordinated observation study of low energy electron precipitation in the auroral oval from DMSP/F2 (a satellite in sun-synchronous circular orbit) and phase and amplitude scintillations from Goose Bay, Labrador. Total electron content and magnetometer measurements indicate that the precipitation event onset was 10 min prior to the DMSP pass. Within this time scale, the ionization generated in the F region could reach the topside, so that the thermal sensor on board the DMSP satellite could measure a factor of 2-3 density enhancement. The phase-to-amplitude ratio changed drastically by comparison to quiet magnetic times, implying that increased convection velocities during magnetic disturbances were partially responsible for the enhanced phase scintillation. 49 references