First observations from the RISR‐C incoherent scatter radar. Issue 10 (18th October 2016) - Gillies, R. G.
Abstract: First‐light measurements from the Canadian face of the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radar (RISR‐C) were taken in August of 2015. Data were taken for roughly 25 h on both RISR‐C and the North face of the Resolute Bay radar (RISR‐N) in an 11‐beam World Day mode. Overall, the measurements from the RISR‐C radar are of high quality and consistent with results from the RISR‐N radar. During the 25 h period analyzed in this study, the ionosphere responded to changes in orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field . During one particular event, a change from Bz negative to positive and By positive to negative caused the antisunward flow to stall, and a strong dawn‐to‐dusk flow, with decreased electron density and increased ion temperature, replaced it in the RISR‐C field of view. Overall, it is clear that measurements from the RISR‐C radar will complement and greatly expand the scope of ionospheric polar cap measurements. Key Points: RISR‐C incoherent scatter radar is operational and making high‐quality measurements of the polar ionosphere Data from first day of joint operations with co‐located RISR‐N radar examined Strong azimuthal flow near noon caused an ion temperature increase and interrupted antisunward flow over polar cap