Large‐Scale Traveling Atmospheric and Ionospheric Disturbances Observed in GUVI With Multi‐Instrument Validations. Issue 16 (25th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bossert, Katrina; Paxton, Larry J.; Matsuo, Tomoko; Goncharenko, Larisa; Kumari, Komal; Conde, Mark
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 49:Issue 16(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-08-25
• Subjects: gravity waves -- measurements -- thermosphere dynamics -- traveling ionospheric disturbance; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1029/2022GL099901
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

Abstract: This study presents multi‐instrument observations of persistent large‐scale traveling ionosphere/atmospheric disturbances (LSTIDs/LSTADs) observed during moderately increased auroral electrojet activity and a sudden stratospheric warming in the polar winter hemisphere. The Global Ultraviolet Imager (GUVI), Gravity field and steady‐state Ocean Circulation Explorer, Scanning Doppler Imaging Fabry–Perot Interferometers, and the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar are used to demonstrate the presence of LSTIDs/LSTADs between 19 UT and 5 UT on 18–19 January 2013 over the Alaska region down to lower midlatitudes. This study showcases the first use of GUVI for the study of LSTADs. These novel GUVI observations demonstrate the potential for the GUVI far ultraviolet emissions to be used for global‐scale studies of waves and atmospheric disturbances in the thermosphere, a region lacking in long‐term global measurements. These observations typify changes in the radiance from around 140 to 180 km, opening a new window into the behavior of the thermosphere. Plain Language Summary: The thermosphere is the region of Earth's atmosphere that extends from ∼90 to 500 km. Atmospheric disturbances commonly associated with waves perturb temperatures, densities, and winds in this region. Variability in the thermosphere is important as this altitude range overlaps the low earth orbit region of satellites. Despite its importance, limited global observations of the thermosphere region exist. This study presents a multi‐instrument study of atmospheric disturbances in the thermosphere and demonstrates the first use of the Global Ultraviolet Imager for the study of waves in the thermosphere. Key Points: For the first time, Global Ultraviolet Imager observations of large‐scale traveling ionosphere disturbances (LSTIDs) in far ultraviolet emissions are presented and validated Persistent LSTID/large‐scale traveling atmospheric disturbances (LSTADs) are observed over several hours coinciding with moderate geomagnetic disturbances and a major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) Along‐track horizontal wavelengths of the atmospheric disturbances are ∼2, 000–2, 500 km and periods are ∼2–2.5 hr