High-Latitude Scintillation Morphology, Alaskan Sector
Abstract
This report describes the auroral-zone scintillation morphology as deduced from two years of observations made at Poker Flat, Alaska, using the DNA Wideband satellite. The data confirm that magnetic activity is the principal factor in determining the level of both nighttime and daytime auroral-zone scintillation. No systematic seasonal variation in activity was found, although the second year (1977-1978) showed a significant increase in overall activity when compared with the first year (1976-1977). This increase is correlated with the general increase in solar activity, with the approach of the expected solar cycle maximum around 1980. The average latitudinal distribution of the nighttime scintillation activity shows a pronounced enhancement at the point where the propagation path intercepts the local L shell. The scintillation enhancement is more prominent in the phase scintillation data; this has been attributed primarily to a geometrical effect, although there is evidence of a columnar F-region source that has contributed as well.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA086222
Entities
People
- C. L. Rino
- Stephen J. Matthews
Organizations
- SRI International