A discussion on D and E region winds over Europe - Results of an experimental investigation of correlations between D-region neutral gas winds, density changes and short-wave radio-wave absorption

Abstract

Between December 1969 and March 1970 a total of 26 Skua II rockets were successfully launched close to local noon at Arenosillo, Spain. Using an ultralight chaff the winds and chaff fall rates have been determined at heights between 75 and 95 km. At the same time A 3 -absorption measurements were carried out on 2.83 MHz between Aranjuez (Madrid) and Arenosillo. From the wind and fall-rate measurements a quantity which is roughly proportional to the air mass flow has been derived for each km height range. These flow vectors were obtained on different days at different height levels and correlated with the noon absorption values L ~ N v d h which were taken from the short-wave propagation path between Arenosillo and Aranjuez. A significant but not very high correlation was found between the mass flow at 90 to 93 km and the absorption L , with L increasing with increased flow from the north-northeast, and at 85 km with L increasing with increased flow from the south-southwest. For the other heights between 75 and 95 km a significant correlation could not be found although there is some indication at 77 km.