On Signal Decrease in HF Circuits During PCA Events

The principal morphological features of ionospheric absorption of cosmic radio noise at vertical incidence -due to influx into the polar ionosphere of solar protons with particle energy near 10 MeV, and as measured by ground-based riometers operated usually at 30 MHz- are reviewed with figures and b...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Wong, Ming S
Other Authors: AIR FORCE CAMBRIDGE RESEARCH LABS HANSCOM AFB MA
Format: Text
Language:English
Published: 1973
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0772656
http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0772656
Description
Summary:The principal morphological features of ionospheric absorption of cosmic radio noise at vertical incidence -due to influx into the polar ionosphere of solar protons with particle energy near 10 MeV, and as measured by ground-based riometers operated usually at 30 MHz- are reviewed with figures and brief descriptions. HF signal-intensity observations in two oblique-incidence circuits, Thule to College and Pt. Barrow to Kenai (Alaska), are compared with riometer measurements for several PCA events. It is suggested that a 'stand-by' propagation mode, involving a combination of scattering and ducting of HF radio waves near the ionospheric-bottom-boundary, comes into play. It is also suggested that, during disturbed inospheric conditions, diminutions in ionospheric electron density -in addition to, or in conjunction with, increased ionospheric absorption- is an important contributing cause to HF radio blackouts.