Updating a review of the global morphology of ionospheric scintillations published in 1971, this study adds additional experimental studies on familiar topics to newer types of measurements of ionospheric irregularities, including in situ experiments and artificial heating of the F-layer.
Amplitude fluctuations produced by small irregularities in electron density in the F-layer of the ionosphere (at 300 to 400 km height) can be a problem to communication and navigation systems in the VHF-UHF range. Recent measurements, primarily by AFCRL, are shown with emphasis on results at high and equatorial latitudes. At high latitudes an irregularity region exists whose lower boundary reaches 57 degrees invariant latitude near midnight. During magnetic storms the boundary descends to lower latitudes and the fading becomes deeper. Over the polar cap scintillations are somewhat diminished. When observing synchronous satellites through the irregularity region, deep and fast fading is frequently seen, with fade rates to one per second. Irregularities produce deep scintillations in the VHF range plus or minus 15 degrees from the geomagnetic equator. In equatorial regions maximum occurrence of high level scintillations takes place between 2100 and 2400 local time during the equinoxes; a minimum occurrence is observed during the solstices. When the sunspot number decreases, the equatorial irregularity region spreads and becomes larger. The data for various latitudes has been placed in statistical form, that is, distribution of amplitudes for 15-min samples as well as for periods of 1 yr and longer. (Author).
In situ measurements of F-region irregularity amplitude and ambient electron density made by the retarding potential analyzer (RPA) on OGO-6 near perigee altitude of 400 km have been utilized to derive the variation of electron density deviation over the equatorial region. Based on these measured electron density deviations and other assumed model parameters, including a three-dimensional power-law form of irregularity spectrum of index 4, a model of equatorial scintillations is developed in the framework of diffraction theory. The percentage occurrence contours of estimated equatorial scintillations greater than or equal to 4.5 dB at 140 MHz during 1900 to 2300 LMT for the period November to December 1969 and 1970 have been derived. The model is found to depict a pronounced longitude variation with the scintillation belt width and percentage occurrence being maximum over the African sector. The latitude extent of the spatial scintillation belt narrows over the American sector without much decrease in the scintillation occurrence whereas over the Indian and Far Eastern sectors both the extent and the occurrence are found to decrease. The percentage occurrence of scintillations estimated from this model is found to be consistent with VHF scintillation measurements at Ghana, Huancayo, and Calcutta. In addition, the model was found to be in qualitative agreement with GHz observations at various longitudes made by the COMSAT group. The effect of varying model parameters on scintillation estimates at VHF, UHF and GHz are discussed. Implications of the observed longitudinal variation of scintillations on current theories of equatorial irregularity formation are indicated. (Author).
A comprehensive review of global ionospheric research from the polar caps to equatorial regions It's more than a century since scientists first identified the ionosphere, the layer of the Earth’s upper atmosphere that is ionized by solar and cosmic radiation. Our understanding of this dynamic part of the near-Earth space environment has greatly advanced in recent years thanks to new observational technologies, improved numerical models, and powerful computing capabilities. Ionosphere Dynamics and Applications provides a comprehensive overview of historic developments, recent advances, and future directions in ionospheric research. Volume highlights include: Behavior of the ionosphere in different regions from the poles to the equator Distinct characteristics of the high-, mid-, and low-latitude ionosphere Observational results from ground- and space-based instruments Ionospheric impacts on radio signals and satellite operations How earthquakes and tsunamis on Earth cause disturbances in the ionosphere The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals. Find out more about the Space Physics and Aeronomy collection in this Q&A with the Editors in Chief
Lists citations with abstracts for aerospace related reports obtained from world wide sources and announces documents that have recently been entered into the NASA Scientific and Technical Information Database.