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Holzworth, R. H.

Publications and source records attributed to Holzworth, R. H..

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2011

Lightning-Generated Whistler Waves Observed by Probes On The Communication/Navigation Outage Forecast System Satellite at Low Latitudes

Direct evidence is presented for a causal relationship between lightning and strong electric field transients inside equatorial ionospheric density depletions. In fact, these whistler mode plasma waves may be the dominant electric field signal within such depletions. Optical lightning data from the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecast System (C/NOFS) satellite and global lightning location information from the World Wide Lightning Location Network are presented as independent verification that these electric field transients are caused by lightning. The electric field instrument on C/NOFS routinely measures lightning ]related electric field wave packets or sferics, associated with simultaneous measurements of optical flashes at all altitudes encountered by the satellite (401.867 km). Lightning ]generated whistler waves have abundant access to the topside ionosphere, even close to the magnetic equator.

Holzworth, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS2010

What Can Geolocated Sferics Tell Us About Terrestrial Gamma-Ray Flashes?

The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) has been detecting TGFs with increasing sensitivity over the past two years, owing to changes in flight software that have lowered its threshold for triggering and, recently, allowed a search for TGFs weaker than those which would cause an onboard trigger. Associations between TGFs detected in the first 18 months of operation and sferics detected using the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) show that TGF peaks and lightning discharges are simultaneous to within tens of microseconds, and that GBM triggered on TGFs that occurred up to a distance of 300 km from the sub-spacecraft position. In the work presented here, we look for associations between TGFs detected by the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) and WWLLN sferics over the same 18 months, and we compare the match rate and detection horizon of the two instruments. We also look for associations between WWLLN sferics and more recent GBM TGFs, both triggered events and weaker TGFs uncovered in our untriggered search. We discuss whether in this new mode, GBM is detecting TGFs that are more distant from the sub-spacecraft point than 300 km, or whether the weaker TGFs are instead indicative of a luminosity distribution, either because the weaker ones originate deeper in the atmosphere or because they are intrinsically dimmer.

Connaughton, V.↗
NASA NTRS1999

The DROPPS Program: A Rocket/Lidar/Radar Study of the Polar Summer Mesosphere

During July of 1999, two sequences of rockets were launched from the Norwegian rocket range in Andoya, Norway. The purpose of these studies was to investigate the properties of the polar summer mesosphere, particularly relating to polar mesospheric summer echoes (PMSE) and their possible relationship to noctilucent clouds (NLC). Each of two sequences was anchored with a DROPPS Black Brant payload, consisting of 20 instruments to measure the electrodynamic and optical structure of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. These were provided by participants from five American and two European scientific laboratories. The DROPPS (Distribution and Role of Particles in the Polar Summer) payloads were each accompanied by a sequence of meteorological rockets, and by several European payloads designed to study electrodynamics structure of the same region. ALOMAR (Arctic Lidar Observatory for Middle Atmosphere Research) Lidars, and MF (Medium Frequency) and MST (Mesosphere, Stratosphere, and Troposphere) Radars were used to continuously monitor the mesosphere for NLCs and PMSEs respectively. EISCAT VHF (European Incoherent Scatter Radar Very High Frequency) radar provided similar information about PMSEs downstream from the launch site. Sequence 1 was launched on the night of 5-6 July into a strong PMSE display coupled with a weak NLC at the low end of the PMSE. Sequence 2 was launched on the early morning of 14 July into a strong NLC with no PMSE evident. Here we describe the details of the program along with preliminary results.

Goldberg, Richard A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Global electrodynamics from superpressure balloons

Electric field and conductivity measurements in the stratosphere between November 1992 and March 1993 have been made using superpressure balloons in the southern hemisphere. Over 400 payload-days of data have been made during a record setting experiment called ELBBO (Extended Life Balloon Borne Observatories). This experiment resulted in 4 flights aloft simultaneously for over 2 months including one flight which lasted over 4 months. Electrodynamical coupling between the atmosphere and ionosphere is studied using the measured electric fields, and a simple empirical model of the stratospheric conductivity. Altitude profiles of conductivity have been obtained from several superpressure balloon flights using the large end-of-flight altitude swings on the last few days of each flight (as the balloon begins to loose superpressure). Coupling between the fields and atmospheric inertial waves has been observed. Effects and dynamics of the global circuit suggest that standard models are missing significant phenomena. Large scale ionospheric convection activity has been studied from the polar cap to the middle latitudes. Cusp latitude fields have been continuously measured for many days in a row.

Holzworth, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A case study of lightning, whistlers, and associated ionospheric effects during a substorm particle injection event

The relationships among cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning, sferics, whistlers, VLF amplitude perturbations, and other ionospheric phenomena occurring during substorm events were investigated using data from simultaneous ground-based observations of narrow-band and broad-band VLF radio waves and of CG lightning made during the 1987 Wave-Induced Particle Precipitation campaign conducted from Wallops Island (Virginia). Results suggest that the data collected on ionospheric phenomena during this event may represent new evidence of direct coupling of lightning energy to the lower ionosphere, either in conjunction with or in the absence of gyroresonant interactions between whistler mode waves and electrons in the magnetosphere.

Rodriguez, J. V.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Atmospheric electrodynamics in the U.S. - 1987-1990

Atmospheric electrodynamics research is summarized, focusing on three general areas: the ionosphere as a source for middle atmospheric electrodynamics, regional and global scale electrodynamics, and thunderstorms and lightning. New or improved instrumentation techniques which have furthered atmospheric electrodynamics research are also discussed.

Holzworth, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Intense ionospheric electric and magnetic field pulses generated by lightning

Electric and magnetic field measurements have been made in the ionosphere over an active thunderstorm and an optical detector onboard the same rocket yielded an excellent time base for the study of waves radiated into space from the discharge. In addition to detection of intense, but generally well understood whistler mode waves, very unusual electric and magnetic field pulses preceded the 1-10 kHz component of the radiated signal. These pulses lasted several ms and had a significant electric field component parallel to the magnetic field. No known propagating wave mode has this polarization nor a signal propagation velocity as high as those measured here. This study investigated and rejected an explanation based on an anomalous skin depth effect. Although only a hypothesis at this time, a more promising explanation involving the generation of the pulse via a nonlinear decay of whistler mode waves in the frequency range 10-80 kHz is being investigated.

Kelley, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Longitudinal variation of mid-latitude hiss from six long duration balloon flights

The longitudinal variation of midlatitude hiss as measured on six balloons at latitudes of 35-55 deg S, shows a significant minimum at 70-80 deg E, about 1000 km east of the geomagnetic conjugate of the Soviet transmitter UMS (17.1 kHz). It is suggested that the well documented pitch-angle diffusion induced by the UMS signal removes the ability of the trapped electrons to maintain the amplification of the hiss to at least the reflection and reducting losses (about 20 dB) at the ends of the echoing ducted path. The eastward shift of the minimum from the conjugate of UMS is primarily caused by the time taken by the eastward-drifting electrons to recover this ability, though the effect is enhanced by the east-west asymmetry in the propagation of hiss under the ionosphere.

Dowden, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Measurement of the electron beam mode in earth's foreshock

High frequency electric field measurements from the AMPTE IRM plasma wave receiver are used to identify three simultaneously excited electrostatic wave modes in the earth's foreshock region: the electron beam mode, the Langmuir mode, and the ion acoustic mode. A technique is developed which allows the rest frame frequecy and wave number of the electron beam waves to be determined. It is shown that the experimentally determined rest frame frequency and wave number agree well with the most unstable frequency and wave number predicted by linear homogeneous Vlasov theory for a plasma with Maxwellian background electrons and a Lorentzian electron beam. From a comparison of the experimentally determined and theoretical values, approximate limits are put on the electron foreshock beam temperatures. A possible generation mechanism for ion acoustic waves involving mode coupling between the electron beam and Langmuir modes is also discussed.

Onsager, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS1989

High-frequency electrostatic waves near earth's bow shock

Electrostatic wave measurements from the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorer Ion Release Module have been used to investigate the wave modes and their possible generation mechanisms in the earth's bow shock and magnetosheath. It is demonstrated that electrostatic waves are present in the bow shock and magnetosheath with frequencies above the maximum frequency for Doppler-shifted ion acoustic waves, yet below the plasma frequency. Waves in this frequency range are tentatively identified as electron beam mode waves. Data from 45 bow shock crossings are then used to investigate possible correlations between the electrostatic wave properties and the near-shock plasma parameters. The most significant relationships found are anticorrelations with Alfven Mach number and electron beta. Mechanisms which might produce electron beams in the shock and magnetosheath are discussed in terms of the correlation study results. These mechanisms include acceleration by the cross-shock electric field and by lower hybrid frequency waves. A magnetosheath 'time of flight' mechanism, in analogy to the electron foreshock region, is introduced as another possible beam generation mechanism.

Onsager, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A new source of horizontal electric fields in the mid-latitude stratosphere

Superpressure balloon-borne instruments that measure the vector stratospheric electric field at latitudes near 45 + or - 10 deg S reveal several features in fair weather that cannot be attributed to ionospheric, thunderstorm, or other known sources. Over 180 days of electric field, conductivity, and current density data have been taken at the constant altitude of 26 km, using long-duration balloon flights in the Southern Hemisphere. Throughout these data the fair-weather horizontal electric field has a magnitude (10-50 mV/m) that cannot be due to mid-latitude ionospheric dynamo action. Furthermore, the fields are highly variable in amplitude, almost turbulent in appearance, while the vector direction steadily rotates in a counterclockwise manner. The period of this rotation is close to the quasi-inertial wave period for the latitude of the balloon. For these flights, the electric field rotation period varies between 14 and 21 hours. Some possible causes that might explain the electric field and current measurements reported herein are discussed.

Holzworth, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Solar flare perturbations in stratospheric current systems

Electric field, conductivity, and ionization rate data were collected on two balloon payloads at 26 km in the southern hemisphere stratosphere during the solar flare of Feb. 16, 1984. Both polarities of the conductivity were enhanced by a factor of two at a payload with an invariant latitude (Lambda) of -56.3 deg (rigidity = 1.4GV). At the same time no transient effects were seen in any of these parameters by a more equatorially located payload at Lambda = -48.8 deg (rigidity = 2.8 GV). The two payloads were separated by 5 hours of local time. The vertical current density, J(z), at the poleward most payload was enhanced by over a factor of two, while no J(z) variations were seen for the equatorward payload. Interpretation of these observations suggests that a simple RC time constant analysis of the global circuit may be incorrect.

Holzworth, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Electron cyclotron harmonic waves observed by the AMPTE-IRM plasma wave experiment following a lithium release in the solar wind

An unexpected occurrence following the second lithium release by the AMPTE-IRM spacecraft in the solar wind on September 20, 1984, was the appearance of electron cyclotron harmonic emissions. These emissions began about 50 s after the release and continued for several minutes. Narrow-band emissions polarized perpendicular to the magnetic field with amplitudes of approximately 0.00001 V/m were observed in each of the first five harmonic bands. The diffuse emissions extended from below the lowest measured frequency channel to above the highest narrow-band emission with a maximum below the electron cyclotron frequency. It will be shown that these observations are inconsistent with their generation by several ion beam instabilities.

Roeder, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Electrical potential measurements in the lower atmosphere

Lower-atmospheric potential measurements obtained in 1983 through 1985 using the Hy-wire technique are summarized in this paper. Observed values of the potential were in the range of 50-100 kV in Fairbanks, AK, compared with 100-200 kV at Wallops Island, VA. When one-hour averages are formed from the entire data set the result is a unitary variation very reminiscent of both the Carnegie curve and more recent stratospheric electric field data. A comparison with an aircraft potential measurement in the same vicinity during April 1983 demonstrates that the two techniques yield roughly similar results, except that the Hy-wire measurements were 20-30 percent lower in absolute value.

Woosley, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Stratospheric conductivity variations over thunderstorms

This paper reports the first in-situ observation of variations in the electrical conductivity over thunderstorms at 26 km altitude. The vector electric field, positive and negative polar conductivity, and optical lightning power/flash were measured by payloads on superpressure balloons in the Southern Hemisphere in early 1984. It is found that in 72 percent of the thunderstorm periods observed (or in 23 of 32 periods) there were clear cases of conductivity variations while the balloons were over the thunderstorms. Examples from two separate balloons at widely separated dates and locations showing both daytime and nighttime events are presented. The conductivity measurements are made with the relaxation technique, and the vector field measurements are based on the double Langmuir probe high-impedance method. It is found that the positive and negative conductivity measurements vary independently and have a different temporal profile than the dc electric field. The polar conductivity variations can exceed a factor of 2 at this altitude. In seven of the nine most intense thunderstorm events the total conductivity increased, while in only one of these nine events did it decrease (one event had no change). Implications of these observations for global current patterns are discussed.

Holzworth, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Plasma waves observed by the IRM and UKS spacecraft during the AMPTE solar wind lithium releases - Overview

The wave measurements from the Ion Release Module and the United Kingdom Satellite in the diamagnetic cavity, the transition region, and the upstream region are examined. Solar wind conditions during the releases on September 11 and 20, 1984 are described. The quasi-static electric field, wideband, high-frequency waves, and medium and VLF waves observations are analyzed. The data reveal that extremely low levels of wave activity are observed in the boundary between the diamagnetic cavity and external magnetic field, medium and VLF waves in the ion acoustic electrostatic cyclotron harmonic modes are detected in the transition region from the diamagnetic cavity to the solar wind, and decay in the magnetic field strength and density, and an increase in the quasi-static electric field is seen in the upstream edge of the transition region. The emissions observed are related to the different phases of the Li cloud development and different spatial regimes of the Li plasma-solar wind interaction.

Haeusler, B.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Electrical measurements in the atmosphere and the Ionosphere over an active thunderstorm. II - Direct current electric fields and conductivity

On August 9, 1981, a series of three rockets was launched over an air mass thunderstorm off the eastern seaboard of Virginia while simultaneous stratospheric and ground-based electric field measurements were made. The conductivity was substantially lower at most altitudes than the conductivity profiles used by theoretical models. Direct current electric fields over 80 mV/m were measured as far away as 96 km from the storm in the stratosphere at 23 km altitude. No dc electric fields above 75 km altitude could be identified with the thunderstorm, in agreement with theory. However, vertical current densities over 120 pA/sq m were seen well above the classical 'electrosphere' (at 50 or 60 km). Frequent dc shifts in the electric field following lightning transients were seen by both balloon and rocket payloads. These dc shifts are clearly identifiable with either cloud-to-ground (increases) or intercloud (decreases) lightning flashes.

Holzworth, R. H.↗