Characterization of Polar Cap Electron Density Structures for the Polar Regional Ionosphere Sensing and Modeling (PRISM) Program
Abstract
This project will examine the characteristics of electron density structures in the polar cap ionosphere with a particular emphasison features of the profiles that impact radio propagation in the Arctic environment. The project will analyze 12 years of historical radar data from the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radar (RISR) in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Canada, which is an Arctic research facility at 83 degrees north magnetic latitude, deep in the polar cap. The incoherent scatter radar technique provides complete altitude profiles of electron density, electron temperature, ion temperature, and line-of-sight velocity. We will fit RISR electron densityprofiles for key shape parameters relevant to radio propagation forecasting, namely the peak electron density, layer height, bottomside shape parameters, and topside scale height. Analysis of these parameters will be used to address the following questions: 1) How do the electron density profile shape parameters in polar cap density structures vary with geomagnetic conditions? 2) How do the electron density profile shape parameters relate to other properties of the ionospheric plasma, such as plasma temperatures and convection velocities? 3) How do observations of electron density profiles compare to existing models (e.g. SAMI3), and what do the discrepancies reveal about the fundamental physics and chemistry of the ionosphere? To address the final research question, we will analyze outputs of SAMI3 ionospheric simulations by fitting the modeled profiles for the same parameters as in the radar data analysis. We will compare the SAMI3 parameters to the ranges of parameters found in our historical radar data analysis. Furthermore, we have identified a few events with excellent RISR observations for detailed comparisons to dedicated SAMI3 simulations of those events.If successful, this project will expand our understanding of polar cap density structures and inform improved modeling of the arctic radio propagation environment. This project will complement the goals of the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Polar Regional Ionosphere Sensing and Modeling (PRISM) program which is advancing regional modeling of the arctic ionosphere for radio propagation forecasting. The polar cap ionosphere is a particularly complex radio propagation environment since the ionospheric plasma is frequently structured by mesoscale features such as tongues of ionization and polar cap patches. The significant electron density gradients in these structures can affect many different technologies important to arctic naval operations, including global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), high frequency (HF) communication signals, and over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) signals. Our historical data analysis will inform radio operations of the ranges of parameters expected and possible worst-case scenarios for radio propagation conditions. Furthermore, our data-model comparisons will inform future model development and provide quantitative assessments of the model performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 12, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312208
Entities
People
- Roger H Varney
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, Los Angeles