Modeling Arecibo conjugate heating effects with SAMI2

Conjugate heating effects associated with the upcoming Arecibo heater facility are studied using the NRL ionosphere model SAMI2. A density‐dependent, localized heating source is included in the electron temperature equation to model ionospheric radiowave heating. Heating effects are examined as a function of the heating timing and the peak density of the unmodified ionosphere (through the F10.7 index). The simulation results suggest that field‐aligned duct formation occur during periods of relatively low electron densities (e.g., during the night). The enhancement of the electron temperature and electron density in the conjugate topside ionosphere (∼500 km) could reach respective values of ∼5% and 25%. Heating losses associated with inelastic electron‐neutral (N2) collisions primarily inhibit conjugate effects. Key Points Arecibo heater can affect topside conjugate ionosphere Likely to occur for low‐density ionosphere F region Electron‐N2 collisions primarily inhibit conjugate effects