Dynamics of Lidar Reflections of the Kamchatka Upper Atmosphere and Its Connection with Phenomena in the Ionosphere

Bychkov V.V., Shevtsov B.M.
  1. Institute of Cosmophysical Research and Radiowave Propagation, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Mirnaya 7, Paratunka, Kamchatka krai, 684034 Russia

The results of Rayleigh lidar sounding of the upper atmosphere over Kamchatka are analyzed in comparison with ionosonde data. A correlation between light backscattering signals at a wavelength of 532 nm and parameters determining the content of plasma in the nocturnal F2 layer of the ionosphere is found. Based on the performed analysis of lidar data and the geophysical situation, a hypothesis about the possible role of Rydberg atoms in the formation of lidar reflections at ionospheric heights is discussed.
 

V. V. Bychkov and B. M. Shevtsov, Dynamics of Lidar Reflections of the Kamchatka Upper Atmosphere and Its Connection with Phenomena in the Ionosphere // Geomagnetism and Aeronomy, 2012, Vol. 52, No. 6, pp. 797–804.