WHISTLERS AND MAGNETIC ACTIVITY

1 June 1962

journal article
Published by Canadian Science Publishing in Canadian Journal of Physics

Vol. 40 (6) , 775-781
https://doi.org/10.1139/p62-083

Abstract

The relationship between whistlers and magnetic activity was studied using planetary K indices and a whistler occurrence index. This index, W_k, is the percentage of observing periods with a given K_p value during which at least one whistler was recorded. Data from eight whistler stations which were operated during the I.G.Y. were used. In almost all cases, the value of W_k was found to increase with K_p up to K_p values of 1–3, and then decrease as K_p is further increased. The decrease of W_k with increasing K_p is shown to be due in part to masking of whistlers by very low-frequency emissions, but this does not account for the whole effect. No diurnal variations of the relationship of W_k to K_p was detected, but a small seasonal change was observed. The formation and destruction of ducts or columns of enhanced ionization in the outer ionosphere are suggested as possible mechanisms for explaining some of the observed effects.

Keywords

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