The Effects of Magnetic Storm Phases on F-layer Irregularities from Auroral to Equatorial Lattitudes
Abstract
LONG-TERM GOAL. The long term goal of the grant is to understand the key forcing functions for the development of irregularities at high and equatorial latitudes. Deep fades occur on the 250 MHz transmissions from FLEETSATCOM and AFSATCOM at equatorial, auroral, and polar latitudes. There is also phase and amplitude scintillation on the 1.2 and 1.6 GHz higher frequencies of the Global Positioning System's set of 24 satellites. With a knowledge of the forcing functions we have a chance to forecast and predict when these irregularities interfere with communication and navigation systems. We are particularly interested in assessing the effect of high latitude perturbations on producing effects on the equatorial region. SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES. During a magnetic storm, the electric field increases at auroral latitudes. Slowly a shield is built up at high latitudes. At times the shield has an effect in limiting magnetic storm effects at lower latitudes. We would like to contrast storms which affect equatorial irregularities and those that fail to affect these regions. APPROACH. Our approach includes using GPS data collected at a number of stations at equatorial and high latitudes. We correlate experimental multipath multistation data from this group of stations. The studies find Total Electron content (TEC) and rate of change of TEC (phase scintillation). For both high and equatorial latitudes, we are using data from the International GPS Service for Geodynamics (IGS). Thirty second values of phase differences between the 1.2 GHz and the 1.6 GHz signals of each GPS satellite were used. With the data set consisting of 30 second samples, thus limiting spectral characteristics, we have chosen to call the component of phase scintillation, phase fluctuations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA633505
Entities
People
- Jules Aarons
- Michael Mendillo
Organizations
- Boston University