Revisiting the Behavior of the E-region Electron Temperature During Strong Electric Field Events at High Latitudes

Abstract:

A rich data set acquired during a long-lived strong electric field event by the North-facing Resolute Bay incoherent scatter radar confirms and strengthens conclusions previously drawn from several less comprehensive studies of E-region electron heating by large amplitude Farley-Buneman waves. For the exceptionally abundant set of very good quality data we uncovered, the E-region electron temperature response to strong ambient electric fields is described very accurately by a simple linear function of the electric field at 110 and 117 km altitudes. The linear dependence starts at 40 mV/m and shows no hint of deviating from the linear response up to 150 mV/m (the maximum electric field observed during this event). Based on this new evidence we have revisited previous E-region electron temperature observations from various altitudes and have built a model that is consistent with present and all past observations. The model is made of simple linear variations in the electron temperature with slopes that depend on altitude. It should prove to be a useful reference for anyone interested in the E-region electron temperature anywhere between 100 and 120 km altitudes.