Ples model in the plasmapause diagnostics Original Research Article

Code PLES instantaneous mapping of ionospheric characteristics though intended for operational use in telecommunication systems appears to be a useful tool in plasmapause diagnostics. PLES allows construction of retrospective maps for specific epochs. In particular, it describes the mid-latitude ionospheric trough by using a very simple model. In this paper the response of the ionospheric plasma to disturbed conditions is studied using topside wave measurements and ionospheric characteristics observed by iononondes. Aided by PLES the relationship between trough and plasmapause position is studied as well as the validity of ionospheric maps in the neighbourhood of the trough features. When adopting the coefficients of PLES to instantaneous ionogram observations adjusting the maps obtained show the trough feature. In-situ satellite observations confirm this fact.