High Latitude Models, Observations, and Analysis of Ionospheric Scintillations

Abstract

In order to provide systems engineers with observations and analysis of the amplitude-fading of radio waves traversing the high latitude ionosphere, several different studies were performed. The concept was to develop descriptive and statistical models for the pattern of occurrence and amplitude of scintillations at high latitudes. Then, long term observations from a limited number of sites could be linked to allow an assessment of the scintillation problem to communication, navigation, and detection systems in the VHF and UHF bands. Then, long terms observations from a limited number of sites could be linked to allow an assessment of the scintillation problem to communication, navigation, and detection systems in the VHF and UHF bands. This report discusses these studies in three chapters. In Chapter 1, general patterns of scintillation occurrence and intensity are presented in the descriptive model of the F-layer irregularities at high latitudes. This is followed in Chapter 2 by a graphical presentation of the data; that is, observations of the 136 MHz beacon of ATS-3. Chapter 3 organizes the observations into a useful format-the cumulative amplitude probability distribution function-for the engineer. A means of adjusting the observations for frequency dependence is provided.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 12, 1973
Accession Number
AD0762282

Entities

People

  • Douglas R. Seemann
  • Herbert E. Whitney
  • Jules Aarons
  • Richard S. Allen

Organizations

  • Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Birds
  • Databases
  • Distribution Functions
  • Diurnal Variations
  • Elevation
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • High Latitudes
  • Ionospheric Scintillation
  • Magnetic Disturbances
  • Magnetic Storms
  • Polar Cap
  • Polar Regions
  • Probability Distribution Functions
  • Probability Distributions
  • Systems Engineering

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Business Analytics
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.