In the following table, column 2 gives the start and end date of the experiment, column 3 gives the day of the week of the start of the experiment, column 4 is the length of the experiment and column 5 shows the date of the new moon.

Incoherent Scatter Coordinated Observation Days should start at 1400UT on the first day indicated (to ensure that all radars are operating correctly by 1600UT) and end at 1600UT on the last day indicated. However, radars are encouraged to start as early as possible on the first day where operational considerations allow.

Notes

1. Hi-TRAC: High Time Resolution Auroral Radar Convection. Combines incoherent and coherent scatter radars to provide optimum high latitude convection measurements. High latitude radars should endevour to record high-time resolution line-of-sight velocities over as wide a latitude interval as possible. Low latitude radars should use database (q.v.) modes. (John Holt)
2. Database: The emphasis should be on broad latitudinal coverage of the F region. (Tony van Eyken)
3. Global Ionosphere-Thermosphere Coupling Study
   All radars should measure electron density, ion and electron temperature and ion velocities parallel to the magnetic field direction. Electric field measurements are not essential for monostatic radars.
   Objectives:
   
   1. Fit and constrain global models of the thermosphere (eg. UCL 3D thermospheric model) and ionosphere (eg. Grenoble TRANSCAR model) using simultaneous measurements at F-region altitudes.
   2. Compute ion-neutral collision frequencies (O-O+) using neutral meridional winds from interferometer and radar measurements. This will include the O-density from the adjusted neutral atmosphere model (from above) and direct neutral temperature measurements where available.
   Both objectives are best studied during quiet geomagnetic conditions. In the case of substorms, however, a study of the global thermospheric response will be possible. Adititional, optical, thermospheric and neutral wind and temperature measurements would be an advantage.
   (Mike Kosch and Chantal Lathuillere)
4. Joint Observations of Effects of Storms in the lower thermosphere
   Measurements of E- and F-region plasma temperatures, densities and ion drifts, with emphasis on derived neutral temperatures and winds in the lower thermosphere (90-150 km), during an intense geomagnetic disturbance. A time window for the observations will be identified (March 1999 preferred), and will be narrowed down to a four or five day period of ISR measurements upon alert of a major magnetic storm (Kp>7). ISRs are to be run in a local coverage mode with high resolution in altitude and time similar to recent LTCS campaigns. Supporting data from optical, MF/MW radar and lidar available at each ISR site are to be obtained to investigate coupling effects in various altitude regions. The requested experiment is planned as a pilot project for CEDAR-TIMED investigations of the effects of geomagnetic storms on the lower thermosphere structure and dynamics. We envisage a coordinated effort to alert ISR multi-instrument sites regarding the occurrence of the storm and the need to initiate observations. (Joe Salah)
5. Wide-Latitude Substorm Dynamics
   These are 'floating' days, the exact operation dates to be selected about one month before based on available predictions. Radars which cannot accommodate this flexibility should run on the default dates. Modes with temporal resolutions better than 5 minutes should be used. In 1999, we should address substorm phenomena with better time resolution. (John Foster)
6. Global ionospheric convection
   All radars concentrate on ionospheric electric field measurements, preferably in the magnetic field aligned position. The IZMIRAN Electrodynamic Model (IZMEM) has been developed from magnetometer data to reproduce the global electric potential patterns for all seasons. The model is time dependent on the magnitude and sign of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) components. Initial qualtitative tests of the model using data from the STARE and SABRE coherent radar systems, as well as SUPERDARN, have been very encouraging. For quantitative comparisons, which will allow fine adjustment of the model, it is necessary to get an accurate measurement of the ionospheric electric field at several points on the globe simultaneously. (Kosch and Levitin)
7. LTCS
   Combined local E and F region measurements, including vector velocities, with 15 minute time resolution. Latitudinal coverage may be sacrificed to meet this goal. (Michael Buonsanto, Cassendra Fessen)
8. First S-RAMP Space Weather Campaign
   The objective of this campaign is to study the effects of space weather disturbances on the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system on a global scale including the impacts on technological systems such as electric power grids, satellites, and ground or space based communication and navigation systems. In order to better understand the physical processes, as well as to provide a quantitative assessment of the effects on technological systems, the campaign will also include observations from other global arrays of radio, optical and magnetic instruments. (Sunanda Basu)
9. POLITE
   POLITE aims to advance our understanding of topside light ion morphology and dynamics through a combination of modeling efforts and coordinated observations by the ISR chain and by DMSP satellite overflights. The use of the full latitudinal and longitudinal extent of the ISR chain is critical to the campaign, as one key objective is the study of the latitudinal and longitudinal variations of hydrogen, oxygen, and helium ions. Simultaneous measurements of neutral oxygen, hydrogen, and helium are also important, in order to explore the coupling between ionic and neutral species in the lower topside. The helium ion layer descends in altitude and increases in strength during the wintertime, making observation easier for the ISR chain. Significant asymmetries in field-aligned flows are also at their maximums during summer and winter solstices. IMF support is not very important, but new moon periods are critical since optical support is required for simultaneous neutral species measurements. (Phil Erickson)