Observations of quasi‐periodic scintillations and their possible relation to the dynamics of Es plasma blobs

TLDR: In this article, the authors examined quasi-periodic scintillations at a mid-latitude station, Wakkanai, Japan, using 136-MHz geostationary satellite transmissions.

Abstract: Quasi-periodic scintillations at a mid-latitude station, Wakkanai, Japan, are examined using 136-MHz geostationary satellite transmissions. Observations are compared with the ionospheric parameter obtained at the same station and random scintillation records. The results indicate that the quasi-periodic scintillations are most likely produced by plasma blobs within the sporadic E layers. Discussion focuses on characteristics of the ringing pattern which precedes and follows the primary deep fade-out, in field strength. In the majority of events the ringing pattern tends to develop after the distinct deep fade-out, i.e., the pattern is asymmetric. Quasi-periodic scintillation patterns are produced by the movement of plasma blobs in the case of geostationary satellite experiments. Thus the shape of the blob must be deformed so that a steep density gradient is attained on the backside. When the blob is highly deformed by the plasma instability which grows at the steep density gradient, burstlike random scintillations may be produced by the blob. 16 refs.