Ionospheric and dynamical characteristics of the mesosphere-lower thermosphere region over Platteville (40°N, 105°W) and comparisons with the region over Saskatoon (52°N, 107°W) -: art. no. 4398

[1] The newly installed medium frequency radar (MFR) at Platteville provides unique opportunities to assess latitudinal effects in both the ionosphere and mesosphere-lower thermosphere (MLT) by comparisons with the long-established MFR at Saskatoon. The influence of the D region "winter anomaly'' is evident in both ionospheres, and descending "sporadic layers'' (110-90 km) are identified, especially at 40degreesN, for the first time for MF radar systems. Preliminary comparisons with the wind measurements are made, and the processes are identified as complex. Contour plots of mean winds, tides (12- and 24-hour), and planetary waves (PW) (2- and 16-day) demonstrate significant trends over 12degrees of latitude (1100 km). The 24-hour tide dominates at 40degreesN, the 12-hour tide dominates at 52degreesN, and PW structures demonstrate spatial and temporal intermittency. The two radars are now part of a new network, Canada U. S. Japan Opportunity (CUJO), stretching from 81degreesW to 141degreesE.