Solar Flare Effects on 150-km Echoes Observed Over Jicamarca: WACCM-X Simulations

Abstract

Jicamarca Radio Observatory observations and Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with thermosphere‐ionosphere eXtension (WACCM‐X) simulations are used to investigate the effects of the September 7, 2005 X‐17 solar flare on 150‐km echoes, electron densities, and vertical plasma drifts. The solar flare produces a remarkably similar response in the observed 150‐km echoes and simulated electron densities. The results provide additional evidence of the relationship between the background electron density and the layering structure that is seen in 150‐km echoes. The simulations also capture a similar rapid decrease in vertical plasma drift velocity that is seen in the observations. The simulated change in vertical plasma drift is, however, weaker than the observed decrease at the longitude of Jicamarca, though it is stronger east of Jicamarca. The effect of the solar flare on the vertical plasma drifts is primarily attributed to changes in conductivity due to the enhanced ionization during the solar flare.