A High-Latitude Empirical Model of Scintillation Excursions: Phase I.

• Main Authors: Aarons,Jules, Mullen,John, Whitney,Herbert, Martin,Eileen, Bhavnani,Krishin
• Other Authors: AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1976
• Subjects: Atmospheric Physics; *IONOSPHERIC SCINTILLATION; DATA BASES; MAGNETIC FIELDS; HIGH FREQUENCY; SOLAR ACTIVITY; HIGH LATITUDES; ATMOSPHERE MODELS; PERIODIC VARIATIONS; SYNCHRONOUS SATELLITES; ATS-3 satellite; WUAFGL46430104; PE62101F; Greenland; Narssarssuaq
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA034420; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA034420

Using observations of the scintillations of beacons from synchronous satellites, a high latitude model of scintillation excursion is being developed. Phase 1 of the development has been completed and is described in this report. Several years of continuous recordings taken at Narssarssuaq, Greenland, Goose Bay, Labrador, and Sagamore Hill, Massachusetts, were reduced. The data base consists of values of 15-min scintillation excursions in dB at 137 MHz. Equations are developed which yield scintillations at this frequency as a function of local time, magnetic index, solar flux, and month of the year. The concept is to predict, at sub-auroral and auroral latitudes, scintillation at this frequency and at higher frequencies. The aim is to give to users an indication of expected scintillation excursion when one predicts magnetic activity and solar radio flux. The equations developed have been checked with one additional set of observations and are being checked with additional data. Phase 2 of this model will incorporate geometrical terms to take account of the propagation angle of the observer vis-a-vis the irregularities and will allow for frequency dependence to be ascertained. In addition, it is expected in Phase 2 to validate the model with additional sets of data, extending the model to auroral latitudes greater than 63 deg. and to polar latitudes. (Author)