F region above Kauai - Measurement, model, modification

Abstract

Results of the Lagopedo II experiment conducted from Kauai, Hawaii to investigate the ionospheric modification that occurs when rocket combustion products are introduced into the O(+)-rich F region are presented. The experiment involved the detonation of a chemical explosion in the F2 peak accompanied by rocket-borne measurements of ion composition and electron content in the vicinity of the explosion. The experimental data is found to be in good agreement with the predictions of a model of the nighttime ion densities in the midlatitude laminar ionosphere, with the exception of N2(+) densities before the explosion. H2O(+) and H3O(+) currents produced by considerable H2O outgassing from the rocket are used to determine a H3O(+)/H2O(+) dissociative recombination rate averaging 1.6 to 1.08, depending on model assumptions. At the time of the explosion, an ionic void 1 km in radius is observed, the boundary of which is characterized by a steep gradient in ionic densities. Evidence of variations in the concentrations of ambient ion species, new reactant species and ionic depletion by sweeping is also obtained.