Midlatitude Sporadic E-Layer Horizontal Structuring Modulated by Neutral Instability and Mixing in the Lower Thermosphere
Published in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics, 2023
Recommended citation: Bui, Michelle; Hysell, David; Larsen, Miguel. (2023). "Midlatitude Sporadic E-Layer Horizontal Structuring Modulated by Neutral Instability and Mixing in the Lower Thermosphere." Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics. 128(2). https://doi.org/10.1029/2022JA030929
We consider whether neutral instability and turbulence in the lower thermosphere is the likely cause for some of the structuring in the sporadic-E layers. Results of 3D numerical simulations of atmospheric dynamics in the mesosphere to lower thermosphere support the proposition. Future work involves coupling ion-neutral dynamics to further support sporadic-E layer structuring caused by convective instabilities in the neutral atmosphere.