Preliminary Investigation of Longitudinal Differences in TEC and Scintillation at Transition Latitudes
Abstract
The intensity of the two L-band signals transmitted from satellites of the Global Positioning System and the differential carrier phase (DCP) and differential group delay (DGD) between them have been recorded at two locations on opposite sides of the North Atlantic--Hanscom AFB, MA, and Lerwick, Shetland Islands, UK. Recordings, at 20 samples per sec, were initiated in September 1989, with some 6790 hours of data being collected at Hanscom and some 3700 hours at Lerwick by the end of November 1990. The DCP records, calibrated by means of DGD, have been converted to measurements of ionospheric total electron content (TEC), with the intensity records being used to identify times of radiowave scintillation produced by relative fine structure therein. Substantially greater occurrence of sharp TEC gradients and scintillation was documented at Lerwick than at Hanscom, with clear evidence of geomagnetic control. The two stations are wll separated in longitude, and their fields of view overlap substantially in latitude, although centered some five degrees apart geomagnetically. The large difference in TEC/ scintillation activity may result from the latter difference or from other factors. Samples of the activity are provided herein, and recommendations are made for analyses designed to isolate the likely factors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 04, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA242811
Entities
People
- C. C. Andreasen
- E. J. Fremouw
- J. M. Lansinger
- M. J. Klein
Organizations
- Northwest Research Associates