Ionospheric response to the partial solar eclipse of March 29, 2006, according to the observations at Nizhni Novgorod and Murmansk

The results of observations of the solar eclipse ionospheric effects on March 29, 2006, are presented. The observations were conducted using the partial reflection method near Nizhni Novgorod and the vertical sounding method at the automatic ionospheric station near Murmansk. It has been obtained that the electron density at altitudes of 77 and 91 km decreases by a factor of more than 4; in this case the response of the ionosphere at an altitude of 91 km lags behind the eclipse maximum phase on the Earth by approximately 20 min. It has been established that the eclipse in the E and F1 regions of the polar ionosphere causes a change in the electron density by 15–20%. The delay time of this effect varies from 12 to 24 min depending on the altitude. It has been registered that the reflection virtual altitude at altitudes of the ionospheric F region increases in Murmansk and Nizhni Novgorod.     

Variations in the horizontal correlation radius of the ionosphere during a magnetospheric substorm

A change in the correlation radius of the ionosphere during the magnetospheric substorm of February 14, 2011, which is considered to be 500 km at midlatitudes, has been estimated. The vertical sounding (VS) data from the St. Petersburg and Sodankyla (Finland) observatories, as well as the data of oblique incidence sounding (OIS) at the Sodankyla-St. Petersburg path with a length of 790 km, have been analyzed. A specific feature of the experiment consisted in that the signals of a VS transmitter from Sodankyla were synchronously received at the receiving point on the OIS path in St. Petersburg. The OIS path reflection point is located at a distance of ～400 km from the VS reflection point. Ionograms typical of the VS and OIS signal reflection points in the ionosphere, the distance between which was slightly smaller than the correlation radius of the ionosphere (500 km), and the data of the Sodankyla and St. Petersburg ionosondes have been compared. It has been indicated that a horizontal correlation radius of 400 km can only be considered acceptable during three disturbance phases: the initial phase before the reconfiguration of the ionosphere; the explosion phase (the disturbance maximum), when only the sporadic Es layer is the reflecting ionospheric layer; and the recovery phase, when a disturbance already ceases and the ionosphere returns to its initial undisturbed state. During other disturbance phases, the correlation radius (if it exists) is much smaller than 400 km.     

Large-scale ionospheric gradients over Europe observed in October 2003

It is well known that ionospheric perturbations are characterised by strong horizontal gradients and rapid changes of the ionisation. Thus, space weather induced severe ionosphere perturbations can cause serious technological problems in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as GPS. During the severe ionosphere storm period of 29–31 October 2003, reported were several significant malfunctions due to the adverse effects of the ionosphere perturbations such as interruption of the WAAS service and degradation of mid-latitudes GPS reference services. To properly warn service users of such effects, a quick evaluation of the current signal propagation conditions expressed in a suitable ionospheric perturbation index would be of great benefit. Preliminary results of a comparative study of ionospheric gradients including vertical sounding and Total Electron Content (TEC) data are presented. Strong enhancements of latitudinal gradients and temporal changes of the ionisation are observed over Europe during the 29–30 October storm period. The potential use of spatial gradients and rate of change of foF2 and TEC characterising the actual perturbation degree of the ionosphere is discussed. It has been found that perturbation induced spatial gradients of TEC and foF2 strongly enhance during the ionospheric storm on 29 October over the Central European region in particular in North–South direction exceeding the gradients in East–West direction by a factor of 2.     

A comparative Pc1 case study applying two modes of ionospheric Alfvén resonator modeling

The case study of four Pc1 subauroral pulsation events from Finland has been carried out on the basis of the full-wave numerical method. This method has been applied to simultaneous Scandinavian EISCAT radar measurements of the ionospheric plasma parameters, and their vertical (altitude) profiles have been utilized. Two alternative plasma profiles with different ion composition displays have been put to the test. A comparison between both types of the modeled ionospheric Alfvén resonator (IAR) ground signal frequency response and the frequency range of the Pc1 signal records has been studied. The results of the applied method can illustrate possible quiescent or disturbance changes in the upper ionosphere above the dense F2 layer. The ionospheric region up to ∼ 2000 km has been taken into account for this comparative analysis.     

Ionospheric variability over Grocka during low solar activity conditions

The variability of the critical frequency of F2 layer, foF2, over ionospheric station Grocka (44.48N, 20.31E) has been studied during the declining phase of solar cycle 23 from 2004 to 2006. The variability index was introduced to identify the daily and seasonal patterns characterizing the local mid-latitude ionosphere during quiet and disturbed geomagnetic conditions. In addition, the behaviour of the vertical total electron content values, vTEC, obtained from global positioning system (GPS) measurements in the surrounding area under these conditions is reported. The analysis shows a number of interesting features representative of the ionospheric variability relevant for ionospheric modelling as well as ionospheric propagation applications based on a single station approach.     

Synchrotron emission of weakly-relativistic electron beams at midlatitude ionospheric altitudes

Results of the spectral measurements of ionospheric noise in the meter band are presented. The events lasting several milliseconds (the emission maximum of which drifts upward (in frequency), is reflected (stops), and drifts downward) have been distinguished. Moreover, multiple harmonics are observed. The frequency-time structure of such events have been considered from the viewpoint of registration of the electron beam synchrotron emission harmonics at ionospheric altitudes in the geomagnetic field. The model calculations of the frequency-time structure of ionospheric radio noise bursts drifting in frequency have been performed taking into account the measurement conditions. It has been indicated that the model electron radio noise bursts agree with the measured bursts reflecting from the ionosphere at altitudes of 100–180 km. The model of the monoenergetic beam of electrons precipitating from the radiation belt (L ～ 2.0–2.8) into the ionosphere has been proposed.     

Transionospheric radiosounding (Review)

The transionospheric radiosounding (TIS) method has naturally brought together the two most precise methods for scanning and monitoring the ionosphere (ionospheric radiosounding by airborne and ground ionosondes) into a single system. The subsequent development of TIS equipment has led to a qualitative change in the structure and operation of the ionospheric observatory, which greatly broadened the diagnostic capabilities of the ionospheric monitoring and expanded the ionospheric region monitored by the ground station. In fact, it can be said that a closed radiosounding system has been developed. It uses three branches of ionospheric multifrequency ray (or radio wave) fans to monitor the inner and outer ionosphere and to control both of these regions via transillumination of the ionosphere at the boundary of its radio transparency. The advantage of such a system is the full use of the entire range of radiated radio waves, each part of which is responsible for certain components of the diagnostic circuit. The paper presents the results of scientific studies obtained based on TIS data, which have led to the appearance of new and, to some extent, unexpected and previously unknown phenomena and effects. Special attention is paid to the modern stage of development of the TIS concept, which has good prospects for continuous monitoring of the polar ionosphere. It is questioned whether it is expedient to replace the term sounding with the term transillumination. It is noted that TIS was and remains the most precise method of ionosphere diagnostics.     

基于闪电双极性窄脉冲事件波形观测日出日落电离层D层变化

利用闪电作为辐射源来探测电离层D层是近年来国外学者研究的热点.本文基于江淮流域六站同步闪电观测站网,实现了一种利用闪电双极性窄脉冲事件（Narrow Bipolar Events,NBE）来探测电离层D层等效高度的方法.基于此方法,对两次分别发生在日出和日落阶段的雷暴分析结果显示,上述两个阶段D层反射高度变化特征呈现显著的不对称性：日出期间D层反射高度随时间线性降低速率为5.9 km/h;而日落期间D层反射高度随时间线性递增速率为8.6 km/h.综合日间太阳耀斑期间D层反射高度剧烈波动的观测事实,与日出、日落期间D层特征变化,结果表明太阳辐射电离中性大气分子的电子生成机制在日间D层电子密度变化中占主导地位.本文结果展现了利用NBE事件监测电离层D层变化特征的可行性,这一方法与基于地闪回击波形的D层探测方法结合在一起,有望把现有具有闪电事件定位和电磁波波形记录能力的闪电观测站网扩展为实时对电离层D层时空变化监测的网络.     

Analysis of seismoionospheric disturbances at the Chain of Japanese stations for vertical sounding of the ionosphere

Seismoionospheric disturbances in the parameters of the ionospheric F ₂ and sporadic E layers at the chain of the Japanese stations for vertical sounding of the ionosphere before strong crustal earthquakes with M>6.5 during the period from 1968 to 1992 have been considered. The dependence of the disturbance time of appearance in the ionospheric parameters on the earthquake magnitude and epicentral distance, obtained for each specific earthquake using the selected series of ionospheric stations, made it possible to consider these disturbances among medium-term precursors of earthquakes. The velocity of the disturbance front apparent motion has been determined based on the model of horizontal radially-isotropic disturbance propagation from the projection of the impending earthquake epicenter to the ionospheric altitudes. The conclusion has been made that the distinguished seismoionospheric disturbances follow the boundary of the earthquake preparation region, expanding on the Earth’s surface.     

Disturbances in the ionosphere and atmosphere caused by the solar eclipse of August 11, 1999

Results of comparing ionospheric radio noise at wavelength of 2 m at midlatitudes to the data of the ionospheric vertical sounding during the partial phase of the solar eclipse of August 11, 1999, are presented. Disturbances in the ionospheric layers, radio noise of the ionospheric plasma, and variations and fluctuations in the atmospheric pressure at the Earth surface during the eclipse are considered. The parameters of the Lamb wave, which propagated with velocity of 300 m/s from the region of the total phase of the eclipse are determined. The Lamb wave characteristics in the summer midlatitude and auroral ionosphere have been compared.     

分层电离层模型中的L电流体系

本文分析了电离层风发电机理论中影响电流分布的几种主要因素,认为电离层电导率模型是最主要的影响因素。在计算太阴日变化（L）电流体系时,本文放弃了过去习惯采用的无限薄球壳的电导率模型,使用了分层电导率模型。考虑电导率随高度的变化以及电导率极大值的高度随纬度的变化,得到了与观测结果较为符合的理论L电流体系。本文的结果还指出,在处理某些全球性发电机理论问题时,不能简单地假定电离层为距地面等高度的无限薄球壳,而必须同时考虑大气潮汐振荡的特性及电导率随高度的变化。由此得出结论:发展三维电导率模型对于电离层风发电机理论是必要的。     

Correction method of the ionosphere model using data from wide area navigation satellite systems

A method of correcting an ionosphere model is developed on the basis of data received from wide area navigation satellite systems. This method allows one to calculate the distribution of electron concentration on a scale that is close to real-time, and it can be used in conditions of a disturbed ionosphere, where it is difficult or impossible to determine the critical frequency of the F2 layer. The ionospheric parameters received from vertical incidence sounder data and retrieved from the corrected model agree well, which allows this approach to be used for ionospheric support of different radio systems.     

Correlation analysis of vertical total electron content

It is necessary to model and analyze the ionospheric effects due to a direct relationship between Global Positioning System (GPS) applications and changes in the ionosphere. In order to monitor these changes, the ionosphere can be represented by the vertical total electron content (VTEC) which can be used to analyze ionospheric conditions from a variety of stations. In this study, 21 stations were used to carry out analysis and estimation of VTEC. Three days during a geomagnetic storm, namely, 7, 8, and 9 January 2005, are chosen for investigation. In addition, the de-correlation time of the VTEC was estimated to define ionospheric variations in time using autocorrelation analysis. The de-correlation time of the ionosphere is based on correlation times estimated by using autocorrelation functions. From the high-latitude stations, the mean of the correlation times decreased from 8 to 6 epochs during a storm. In this time period, it was found from the station results that the ionosphere was more affected at the high-latitude than at the mid-latitude region.     

大功率电波加热电离层中热自聚焦不稳定性的理论研究和数值模拟

本文首先从电子密度及电子温度的输运方程和考虑自作用时的电磁波波动方程出发,利用简正模展开的方法推导出泵波在反射区域激发出热自聚焦不稳定性(thermal self-focusing instabilities,TSFI)所需电场阈值以及其增长率的完整数学表达式,并估算了TSFI激发阈值及所对应的有效辐射功率(ERP)的量级.随后利用三维垂直加热的理论模型,结合国际参考电离层(IRI-2012)和中性大气模型(MSIS-E-00)给出的背景参数,数值模拟了大功率高频泵波加热电离层时泵波反射区域电子密度及电子温度因TSFI而产生的变化及发展的过程,并对比分析了不同背景参数对较热效果的影响.结果表明:当高频泵波的加热阈值达到或超过百毫伏每米的量级时,即可激发TSFI,发展出大尺度电子密度及温度不均匀体,这些不均匀体内的密度耗空约为4%~10%,而电子温度剧烈增长,到达背景温度值的1.6~2.1倍;且在相当的加热条件下,背景电子温度越低、电子密度越小,加热效果越显著;电子密度及电子温度的扰动幅度随着加热时间的推移而逐渐减小,即扰动逐渐趋于饱和,且电子温度要快于电子密度达到饱和状态.本文还对泵波反射高度处的电子密度及电子温度变化率进行采样并求得其功率谱密度,分析结果表明:TSFI发展出的大尺度不均匀体满足幂律谱结构,谱指数随着加热的进行逐渐趋于稳定,白天与夜间的幂律谱指数区别不大,但电子密度与电子温度的幂律谱有所区别.     

甚低纬哨声低电离层透射过程的数值模拟

利用全波解算法模拟哨声波束在甚低纬地区黎明前低电离层透射的三维能量分布，依据波场能量和偏振分布及其对波参量和电子浓度剖面的依赖特征，分析了哨声透射、反射及与大地－电离层波导耦合过程．结果表明，哨声模波存在于９０ｋｍ以上高度，吸收、反射、波束扩展及波模转换主要发生于电离层底部８０－９０ｋｍ区间；到达地面的透射能量密度衰减２０ｄＢ以上，透射衰减随频率变化不大，但随波入射角呈不对称变化；距透射区１５０ｋｍ以外区域的测向方位角有很大偏差；入射波能量的很少一部分（对５ｋＨｚ约为－２５ｄＢ）被反射并激发起哨声模波，反射波束能量集中于入射波束附近，并随频率下降而迅速增强．计算也表明，地面接收到的甚低纬哨声回波可能与使回波向极侧偏移的电离纬向梯度有关．     

Comparison of ionospheric parameters calculated with UAM and measured at Voeykovo observatory

The measurements of the critical frequencies of the ionospheric F2 layer based on vertical radiosounding, which was performed with a CADI digital ionosonde at the Voeykovo magnetic–ionospheric observatory in February 2013, have been considered. The observations have been compared with the upper atmosphere numerical model (UAM) data for three days that differ in the amplitude and the character of solar and magnetic activity and correspond to quiet and moderately disturbed states of the ionosphere. The work was performed in order to improve the methods for determining the ionospheric state by vertical sounding ionograms. The time variations in the F2 layer critical frequency, electric field vector zonal component, and thermospheric wind velocity meridional component have been analyzed. Calculations were performed with three UAM variants. The UAM version providing the best agreement with the CADI ionosonde data was the version in which the neutral temperature, neutral composition, and pressure gradients are calculated according to the MSIS empirical model and the horizontal neutral wind velocity is determined by the equation of motion with pressure gradients from MSIS. The calculated values corresponded to the measurements, except those for the evening, because the electron density at the ionospheric F2 layer maximum depends more strongly on electric fields and thermospheric wind velocities during this period. Thus, the indicated UAM version with the above limitations can be used to determine the state of the subauroral ionosphere.     

Alfven波在低纬电离层中的传播研究

Alfven波在低纬地区电离层的传播有其特殊性,一方面,低纬地区同样存在Alfven速度梯度的巨大变化,导致电离层Alfven谐振器(Ionospheric Alfven resonator, IAR)的形成;另一方面,由于在低纬地区磁倾角很小,所以剪切Alfven波在传播的过程中纬度方向跨度很大,不同纬度电离层参数将共同对其产生影响;并且,由于电离层水平分层,故磁力线与电离层不正交.本文选取双流体力学模型,在忽略场向电场的条件下,利用非正交坐标系,结合IRI07模型与MSISE00模型模拟低纬地区Alfven波的传播,得到其反射及耦合特性.结果表明,低纬地区同样存在电离层Alfven谐振现象,由耦合产生的压缩模有向磁赤道方向传播的趋势,夜间电离层状态相对于白天更适合IAR的形成,谐振频率沿磁力线L值增大单调递增.     

SCIPION, a new flexible ionospheric sounder in Senegal

SCIPION is a new state of the art digital sounder that has been developed by France Telecom-CNET for ionospheric monitoring and research. Extensive data processing using DSP technology has resulted in a low power, low cost and full featured system for both vertical and oblique soundings. A SCIPION system is in the process of being installed in Dakar, Senegal, to study HF propagation in the sub-equatorial ionosphere. However, preliminary results have still been obtained during experiments wit a prototype system. In this paper, the system is described and some illustrative examples of its capabilities are shown.     

Propagation of radio waves reflected from the ionosphere during a solar eclipse

Summary The article first describes in chronological order the observations on the propagation of radio waves during the solar eclipses, and the development of the conflicting results on the similar transmissions of radio signals. The general theory of the absorption of radio waves in the ionosphere is briefly described and therefrom a method is derived to estimate the variation of the absorption of obliquely incident radio waves during a solar eclipse.The variation of field-strength can be studied in terms of the relationship between the vertical incident equivalent frequency of the signals and the critical frequencies of the ionospheric layers at the regions of reflection. The total absorption of radio waves consists of the non-deviative absorption in theD region and the deviative absorption in the higher layers of the ionosphere. During the eclipse, theD region absorption decreases in phase with the progress of the eclipse, but the variation of deviative absorption may differ in each observation. The deviative absorption is large when the equivalent frequency is close to the critical frequency of the layer reflecting the waves or of the layer just penetrated by the waves. The changes in the deviative absorption during an eclipse can be estimated on the basis of the variation of the critical frequencies of the ionospheric layers. The resultant changes in the total absorption during a solar eclipse may thus be estimated. The different types of field strength variation expected during an eclipse are given.The observations of the vertical incident absorption of radio waves and the field strength variations of obliquely incident continuous wave radio signals during the solar eclipse are described and the changes are explained on the basis of the above theory.     

Tomographic imaging of the ionosphere using the GPS/MET and NNSS data

The earlier experiments of ionospheric tomography were conducted by receiving satellite signals from ground-based stations and then reconstructing electron density distribution from measures of the total electron content (TEC). In June 1994, National Central University built up the low-latitude ionospheric tomography network (LITN) including six ground stations spanning a range of 16.7° (from 14.6°N to 31.3°N) in latitude within 1° of 121°E longitude to receive the naval navigation satellite system (NNSS) signals (150 and 400 MHz). In the study of tomographic imaging of the ionosphere, TEC data from a network of ground-based stations can provide detailed information on the horizontal structure, but are of restricted utility in sensing vertical structure. However, an occultation observation mission termed the global positioning system/meteorology (GPS/MET) program used a low Earth orbiting (LEO) satellite (the MicroLab-1) to receive multi-channel GPS carrier phase signals (1.5 and 1.2 GHz) and demonstrate active limb sounding of the Earth's atmosphere and ionosphere. In this paper, we have implemented the multiplicative algebraic reconstruction technique (MART) to reconstruct and compare two-dimensional ionospheric structures from measured TECs through the receptions of the GPS signals, the NNSS signals, and/or both of the systems. We have also concluded the profiles retrieved from tomographic reconstruction showing much reasonable electron density results than the original vertical profiles retrieved by the Abel transformation and being in more agreement in peak electron density to nearby ionosonde measurements.