SEEK S310-25: Quasi-periodic echoes and polarization electric fields

We have reexamined data collected during the flight of the SEEK S310-25 sou nding rocket, together with a second set of radar measurements, to determin e whether a more consistent interpretation could be derived, if we allowed for the possibility that sporadic E (E-s) was configured as a sequence of e longated strips in the form of a frontal structure. We show that the featur es found in the plasma density, electric field ((E) over right arrow) and t he so-called quasi-periodic (QP) echoes are consistent with a polarization process acting on the E-s strips that is driven by a Hall and not a Pederse n current. Specifically, we show that three large (E) over right arrow spik es, measured in situ, appeared at intervals of ground distance that were ne arly identical to those of the QP echoes. The (E) over right arrow was also consistent with this type of polarization process. We also briefly discuss a counterclockwise rotation of (E) over right arrow, which could be relate d with a process responsible for the existence of frontal structures.