Historically, the term polar patch was used to describe isolated regions of enhanced 630 nm emission observed in the polar cap. In recent years, signatures from other instruments, such as riometer, ionosonde and HF backscatter radar, have been used to identify related phenomena. In this paper, the relationship between-these various signatures, ascribed the term of polar patches is briefly described. A summary of the formation processes of polar patches is presented, followed by a discussion of the sources of plasma that form polar patches. Some outstanding issues concerning polar patches are raised.
Details
Publication status:
Published
Author(s):
Authors: Rodger, A. S.
Editors: Moen, J., Egeland, A., Lockwood, M.
Date:
1 January, 1998
Journal/Source:
In: Moen, J., Egeland, A., Lockwood, M. (eds.). Polar Cap Boundary Phenomena, Dordrecht, Kluwer, 281-288.