Cosmic noise 'absorption' by E region plasma waves

Abstract

Riometer records and the electric field records obtained during the same period at two different locations are compared in order to investigate the effect of cosmic radio wave backscatter by E region plasma waves on the cosmic radio wave power reaching riometers. The data on the relation between absorption events of small magnitude (a few tenths of a decibel to about 1 dB) and intense ionospheric electric fields are in agreement with the idea that a number of absorption events measured by riometers result from radiation backscatter into space by E region plasma waves of the Farley-Buneman type.