A new campaign for oblique-incidence ionospheric sounding over Europe and its data application

New systematic oblique ionospheric radio sounding measurements over Central Europe, concerning the radio links between Inskip (UK, 53.5°N, 2.5°W) and Rome (Italy, 41.8°N, 12.5°E) and between Inskip and Chania (Greece, 35.7°N, 24.0°E), have been performed since November 2003.Different long-term (i.e. monthly median) ionospheric predictions and nowcasting techniques have been applied and compared with the oblique-incidence radio sounding measurements.The MUF (basic maximum usable frequency) measurements observed during the early part of the experiment have been used to compare the performances of different methods. The preliminary analysis has shown good performances for the long-term prediction models, in particular in winter months for ICEPAC (ionospheric communications enhanced profile analysis and circuit) and in equinox/summer months for ASAPS (advanced stand-alone prediction system) and SIRM&LKW (simplified ionospheric regional model & lockwood). The nowcasting methods SIRMUP&LKW (SIRM updating method & lockwood) and ISWIRM (instantaneous space weighted ionospheric regional model) reveal good results for moderate and disturbed geomagnetic conditions when compared with the long-term prediction methods.     

Adaptation of the ionospheric radio channel parameters to the current conditions using observations of the signals of reference radio stations

A method of adaptation of the ionospheric channel parameters to the current conditions is proposed. The observational data on the temporal behavior of signals of radio stations with known location and set of working frequencies (the so-called reference stations) are used as information describing the current state of the channel. A facility that makes possible to determine by simple means the moments of radio rises and declines on the reference paths has been created. A technique that relates for these instants working frequencies of the stations with maximum usable frequencies of the paths has been developed. By means of an approximate solution of the inverse problem using the method of characteristics for the calculation of radiowave propagation and the monthly average semiempirical model of the ionosphere, the height profile of electron density in a certain spatial region is refined. The efficiency of the proposed method of adaptation of the ionospheric channel parameters using the data of vertical sounding is assessed and the expediency of practical application of such adaptation is shown.     

Evaluation of the efficiency of a model of the decameter radiowave propagation environment

We present a concept regarding the effectiveness of ionospheric models in maximum usable frequency (MUF) forecasts according to the fitting criterion for daily progress in predicted and experimentally observed MUFs. For example, it is shown using the daily variability in the MUF on two one-leap paths that an MUF model on the basis of a long-term IPG forecast is characterized by efficiency within 0.8. It is shown using the same two paths that a forecast on the basis of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model has the same efficiency. A model of the effectiveness probability density function is constructed on the basis of a generalization of the method of nonholomorphic functions.     

Diagnosing the effective parameters of the ionospheric fine structure from statistical characteristics of radio waves in the vicinity of a regular caustic

This paper is concerned with the oblique propagation of decametric radio waves in the ionosphere with random electron density irregularities. Effective parameters are introduced for calculating the influence of irregularities on the wave field structure. A technique is proposed for determining these parameters from measurements of statistical characteristics of the signal in the vicinity of a regular caustic. The technique uses asymptotic expressions obtained using the interference integral method and perturbation theory, as well as matching them to the numerical solution on the basis of the method of characteristics. A global semi-empirical model that is updated for current ionospheric conditions is used to specify the background medium. The proposed technique has been tested using data from a number of mid-latitude paths. Results obtained in this study testify that the technique deserves a practical implementation.     

Application of the theoretical reference ionosphere model for calculating HF-radiowave propagation characteristics

We study the possibilities of the Theoretical Ionosphere Model (TIM) developed at the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, for calculating the HF-radiowave propagation characteristics. The results of simulation based on the TIM are compared with calculations based on the IRI model and data from experimental observations. Analysis of the results of calculations for the maximum usable frequency (MUF) have shown that with the same input data (coordinates of the receipt and transmission points, the route length, date, and time), the differences in the calculated MUFs (using two different models supplying radio routes with ionospheric information) amount to ∼1% in the daytime and reach 10% at night.     

Verification of the reciprocal theorem on polar high-frequency radio paths during magnetic disturbances

Two high-latitude high-frequency (HF) paths of oblique-incidence ionospheric sounding were selected: Gor’kovskaya (GRK)–Dixon Island (DIK) and GRK–Lovozero (LOZ).The following propagation parameters were studied: F2MOF and F2MUF for the main signal, F2MOFl for lateral signals, EsMOF for a signal reflected from the sporadic ionospheric layer, and MOFm for the propagation modes of the M (or N) type. Here MOF and MUF are the maximum observed and usable frequencies, respectively. It was found that the reciprocal theorem is satisfied on two radio paths depending on the studied propagation parameter: the path length and location, time of day, and degree of magnetospheric disturbance. It was found that the reciprocal theorem is satisfied in 78, 50, and 30% of cases on the first path for the F2MUF values in the daytime under moderately disturbed conditions, in the morning, and at night, respectively. For the MOFm and moderately disturbed conditions on this path, the reciprocal theorem is satisfied in 40, 35, and 20% of cases in the daytime, morning, and at night, respectively. For the F2MUF values on the second path, reciprocity is satisfied in 73% of cases in the daytime and under moderately disturbed conditions and in 30% of cases at night during a quiet period. On this path, reciprocity is satisfied in 33% of all cases at night under strongly disturbed conditions. An unusual fact was also detected when ionograms of oblique-incidence ionospheric sounding were analyzed: the F2MUF values in the LOZ–GRK direction are almost always slightly (by 1–4%) larger than in the GRK–LOZ direction. A similar difference in the F2MUF values in the forward and backward directions can apparently be explained by the steep horizontal gradient in the electron density distribution from north to south in the reflection region of this path. Such a situation is not observed on the DIK–GRK line.     

Influence of the ionosphere, modified by powerful oblique radiowaves, on HF radio wave propagation

Variations of HF probe radio wave parameters caused by the influence on the ionosphere of oblique powerful HF radiowaves are analysed. The analysis is made on the data obtained from the original experiments carried out on single-hop paths in the middle and subauroral latitudes. Powerful and probe waves with some difference in frequency were chosen near MUF and were transmitted in the same direction. The polar diagrams of both transmitting systems overlapped in both the horizontal and vertical planes. The results obtained indicate that the ionospheric plasma parameters can be varied by powerful oblique HF radiowaves under certain geophysical conditions.     

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.     

中国低纬度地区电离层闪烁效应模式化研究

GPS（Global Positioning System）周跳是一种GPS信号异常现象.研究发现一定仰角以上的GPS周跳与电离层闪烁有关,是强电离层闪烁造成的GPS载波信号短时失锁现象,因此其可作为表征电离层闪烁效应的参量.本文通过分析由中国低纬度地区GPS台站原始观测数据提取的GPS周跳发生率与地方时、季节、太阳活动以及磁活动之间的关系,开展电离层闪烁效应与这几种参量之间关系的模式化研究.研究结果表明：（1）周跳发生率存在着地方时分布,发生时段主要在日落19：00LT后到午夜02：00LT之前,发生次数在22：00LT左右达到极大,然后缓慢减少,这一变化特点可以用自变量为地方时的Chapman函数形式来描述;（2）周跳发生率存在年变化特点,主要发生在年积日45~135天（春分季节）和225~315天（秋分季节）,可以通过高斯函数来描述每个分季闪烁效应的变化特点;（3）可以利用太阳辐射指数F10.7作为描述周跳随太阳活动周变化的参量,根据周跳随太阳活动周的变化特点,我们使用一个以F10.7为自变量的三次函数来描述这种变化;（4）电离层闪烁与磁活动的关系比较复杂,由于大多数情况下表现为磁活动对电离层闪烁的抑制作用,在本研究中使用一个以地磁活动指数Ap为自变量的的平方根函数来拟合这种变化.     

高频频率预测方法中国区域的精细化研究

提出了一种适用于中国及邻近区域高频天波传播的精细化频率预测方法:该方法基于ITU-R频率预测方法体系,在应用中国参考电离层模型的基础上,利用1976-2006年10个电离层观测站近三个太阳活动周期电离层特征数据的统计分析结果,充分考虑预测参量随空间位置、昼夜以及太阳活动的变化特性,重建了E层、F₁层和F₂层OWF-MUF和HPF-MUF转化因子的时空映射.利用中国境内2008年1月6条链路和2012年3月9条链路的观测结果,对本文所述方法和ITU-R建议方法进行对比分析,对比结果显示本文所述方法较ITU-R建议方法在预测精度上有了明显的改善:MUF、OWF、HPF预测的均方误差分别降低了0.28、0.16、0.45 MHz,最大误差降低量为0.90、0.55、1.31 MHz,均方相对误差平均降低了4.79%、2.97%和4.91%,最大误差降低量分别为10.14%、8.63%和11.75%.     

Prediction of the maximum observed frequency of the ionospheric HF radio channel using the method of artificial neural networks

The algorithm for predicting one of the main parameters of the ionospheric HF radio channel—maximum observed frequency (MOF)—for the interval 0.5–3 h has been synthesized based on the technology of artificial neural networks (ANNs). The data of oblique-incidence LFM sounding obtained on the Inskip (England)-Rostov-on-Don path have been used for this purpose. The studies have been performed under different geophysical conditions. The relation of MOF to the variations in the key parameters of the solar wind and IMF, responsible for the succession of development of magnetospheric-ionospheric disturbances leading to a change in the HF radiocommunication conditions, has been established. The time scales of the ionospheric response have been determined. The practical value of the performed work consists in that the obtained results are used to increase the reliability of ionospheric HF radiocommunication.     

On the structural parameters of macroinhomogeneities of the ionosphere based on data of radio sounding from altitudes below the F2 layer maximum

The series of ionograms of the satellite radio sounding from altitudes below the ionospheric maximum, which were called a delayed lower track, is considered. The method for analyzing ionograms in such a series has been described. The appearance of the delayed lower track on ionograms is explained by the presence of a large ionospheric inhomogeneity which turns radiowaves of many frequencies toward a satellite. It has been assumed that the series of ionograms diagnoses the same inhomogeneity, the structural parameters of which can be determined. The electron density profiles in individual vertical sections of inhomogeneity and the inhomogeneity plasma frequency gradient have been presented, and an attempt to construct the spatial model of inhomogeneity has been made.     

Atmospheric electricity coupling between earthquake regions and the ionosphere

We propose a mechanism to explain suggested links between seismic activity and ionospheric changes detected overhead. Specifically, we explain changes in the natural extremely low-frequency (ELF) radio noise recently observed in the topside ionosphere aboard the DEMETER satellite at night, before major earthquakes. Our mechanism utilises increased electrical conductivity of surface layer air before a major earthquake, which reduces the surface-ionosphere electrical resistance. This increases the vertical fair weather current, and (to maintain continuity of electron flow) lowers the ionosphere. Magnitudes of crucial parameters are estimated and found to be consistent with observations. Natural variability in ionospheric and atmospheric electrical properties is evaluated, and may be overcome using a hybrid detection approach. Suggested experiments to investigate the mechanism involve measuring the cut-off frequency of ELF “tweeks”, the amplitude and phase of very low frequency radio waves in the Earth–ionosphere waveguide, or medium frequency radar, incoherent scatter or rocket studies of the lower ionospheric electron density.     

Recent Advances and Difficulties of Infrasonic Wave Investigation in the Ionosphere

Acoustic waves have a remarkable ability to transfer energy from the ground up to the uppermost layers of the atmosphere. On the ground, there are many permanent sources of infrasound, and also pulsed and/or sporadic sources (e.g., sea waves, infrasonic and sonic noise of cities, lightning, earthquakes, explosions, etc.). The infrasonic waves carry away the major part of their energy upwards through the atmosphere. What are the consequences of the upward energy transfer? What heights of the atmosphere are supplied by energy from various sources of an infrasonic wave? In most cases, the answers to these questions are not well known at present. The only opportunity to monitor the propagation of an infrasonic wave to high altitudes is to watch for its influence on the ionospheric plasma. Unfortunately, most of standard equipment for ionospheric sounding, as a rule, cannot detect plasma fluctuations in the infrasonic range. Besides, the form of an infrasonic wave strongly varies during propagation due to nonlinear effects. However, the development of the Doppler method of radiosounding of the ionosphere has enabled progress to be made. Simultaneously, the ionospheric method for sensing aboveground and underground explosions has been developed. Its main advantage is the remote observation of an explosion in the near field zone by means of short radio waves, i.e., the radio sounding of the ionosphere directly above the explosion. The theory of propagation of an acoustic pulse produced by an explosion on the ground up to ionospheric heights has been developed better than the theory for other sources, and has been quantitatively confirmed by experiments. A review of some advances in the area of infrasound investigations at ionospheric heights is given and some current problems are presented.     

Online service for monitoring the ionosphere based on data from the global navigation satellite system

A service is described that makes possible the effective construction of a three-dimensional ionospheric model based on the data of ground receivers of signals from global navigation satellite positioning systems (GNSS). The obtained image has a high resolution, mainly because data from the IPG GNSS network of the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Rosgidromet) are used. A specially developed format and its implementation in the form of SQL structures are used to collect, transmit, and store data. The method of high-altitude radio tomography is used to construct the three-dimensional model. The operation of all system components (from registration point organization to the procedure for constructing the electron density three-dimensional distribution and publication of the total electron content map on the Internet) has been described in detail. The three-dimensional image of the ionosphere, obtained automatically, is compared with the ionosonde measurements, calculated using the two-dimensional low-altitude tomography method and averaged by the ionospheric model.     

Dusty plasma in the midlatitude ionosphere during meteor showers

The emission (or modulation) line, which manifests itself during high-speed (the speed of entry into the atmosphere is about 70 km/s) meteor showers (Perseids, Orionids, Leonids), has been detected in the fluctuation spectra of ionospheric plasma radio noise at λ = 2 m. The line frequency varies from 12 to 60 Hz depending on activity of ionospheric ionization sources and local characteristics of a meteor shower, time of day, etc. The line has a width of 2–3 Hz and can have satellites. The dusty plasma characteristics have been estimated on the assumption that ionospheric noise is modulated or emitted due to dusty plasma oscillations.     

Numerical simulation of the structure of the high-latitude ionospheric <Emphasis Type="Italic">F</Emphasis> region during meridional HF propagation

A previously developed model of the high-latitude ionosphere is used to calculate the distribution of the ionospheric parameters in the polar region. A specific method for specifying input parameters of the mathematical model, using the experimental data obtained by the method of satellite radio tomography, is used in this case. The spatial distributions of the ionospheric parameters characterized by a complex inhomogeneous structure in the high-latitude region, calculated with the help of the mathematical model, are used to simulate the HF propagation along the meridionally oriented radio paths extending from middle to high latitudes. The method for improving the HF communication between a midlatitude transmitter and a polar-cap receiver is proposed.     

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.     

Model study of the effect of the main ionospheric trough on oblique HF radiowave propagation

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of the main ionospheric trough location on the form of oblique sounding ionograms on the Murmansk-St. Petersburg subauroral radio path. Using a mathematical model of the high-latitude ionosphere, we have calculated four different distributions of electron density along the radio path. One of the distributions has been obtained when the trough is absent, and the remaining three distributions contain troughs of approximately identical depth and width but located at different distances from the ends of the radio path. Using the program of two-dimensional ray tracing, we numerically synthesized oblique-incidence ionograms for each of the four obtained distributions of electron density. The calculations have shown that the location of the main ionospheric trough affects considerably the shape of oblique-incidence ionograms.     

电离层GPS掩星观测反演技术

在电离层局部地区球对称假设下,推导了利用双频和单频无线电掩星观测数据,反演电离层电子密度剖面的两种方法. 双频反演的误差来自于载波相位的观测误差,单频反演误差则主要由伪距的观测精度决定. 由于载波相位测量精度比伪距测量精度高两个量级,因此双频反演的精度一般比单频反演的高些. 不过,两载波信号L1和L2之间的传播路径差异会给双频方法带来误差. 利用三维射线追踪的程序模拟的无线电掩星数据来评估这些方法,结果表明,反演出的电离层剖面与给定的模式电离层非常吻合,验证了两种方法的可靠性和准确性. 将这两种反演方法应用于处理实测的GPS/MET掩星观测数据,均能获取合理的电离层剖面信息. 且单频方法得到的反演剖面与双频方法相当一致, 这为利用LEO星载单频GPS接收机进行电离层掩星观测提供了理论基础.