Kiritimati Equatorial Ionospheric Observatory (KEIO): Upper atmospheric observations at Kiritimati Island using HF Radar
Abstract
The Kiritimati Equatorial Ionospheric Observatory (KEIO) project is research collaboration betweenthe University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Theionosphere, a layer of the Earth’s upper atmosphere (70 km – 1000 km), supports terrestrial andnavigational communication up to high frequency but can disturb satellite communication. Therefore, it is vital to investigate the variations in the ionospheric properties due to severe terrestrial and space weather conditions. The main aim of this project is to investigate ionospheric disturbances resulting in ionospheric irregularities which are detrimental to HF and satellite communications and satellite based navigations systems such as GPS, GLONASS etc. To successfully achieve the aim of the KEIO project, we propose to install and operate a long-range HF research radar on Kiritimati, Kiribati, which has an ideal location less than 2 degrees from the exact magnetic equator. This would allow measurements of ionospheric disturbances out to 4,000 km or more over the open ocean where it would be difficult to place traditional ionospheric sensors. Routine operation of the radar would be automated and appropriate data analysis techniques will be used. The power spectrum of ionospheric irregularities would be obtained using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Wavelet Transform (WT) techniques. The WT despite some similarities holds several advantages over FF analysis. Both the techniques will also give us data to detect the signatures of internal gravity waves (IGWs) associated with mainly earthquakes and tropical cyclones (TCs) apart from geomagnetic storms associated with severe space weather events. The TCs are strongest sources of IGWs which can be seen in radar echoes. The South Pacific region
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 30, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810305
Entities
People
- Sushil Kumar
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of the South Pacific