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- Title
Two‐Component Phase Scintillation Spectra in the Auroral Region: Observations and Model.
- Authors
Hamza, A. M.; Song, K.; Meziane, K.; Jayachandran, P. T.
- Abstract
The random amplitude and phase fluctuations observed in trans‐ionospheric radio signals are caused by the presence of electron density irregularities in the ionosphere. Ground‐based measurements of radio wave signals provide information about the medium through which these signals propagate. The Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Network (CHAIN) Global Position System (GPS) receivers record radio signals emitted by the GPS satellites, enabling the study of their spectral characteristics. This study presents examples of phase spectra with two power‐law components. These components exhibit steeper spectral slopes at higher frequencies and shallower ones at lower frequencies. To be more specific, we conducted a spectral characterization of sixty one (61) events recorded by the CHAIN Churchill GPS receiver, which is located in the auroral oval. When fluctuations above the background level are only observed in the phase, the spectra tend to be systematically steeper. Conversely, the power increase in higher frequency fluctuations accompanying amplitude scintillation tends to result in shallower spectra. A basic yet powerful model of radio wave propagation through a turbulent ionosphere, characterized by a power law electron density spectrum, can help to explain the two power laws observed in the scintillation events presented in this study by identifying the role played by small‐scale ionospheric irregularities in diffraction. Plain Language Summary: This study discusses the impact electron density irregularities in the ionosphere have on radio wave propagation. Ground‐based measurements of Global Navigation Satellite System signals provide insights into their spectral characteristics. The study presents examples of phase spectra with two power‐law components, showing steeper slopes at higher frequencies and shallower ones at lower frequencies. Phase fluctuations tend to result in steeper spectra, while amplitude scintillations lead to shallower spectra. The study suggests a simple model of radio wave propagation through a turbulent ionosphere to explain these observations. Key Points: Dual power‐law spectra observed in phase scintillation in the auroral regionResolving the distinction between refractive and diffractive effects on dual power‐law phase spectraIonospheric irregularities and their connection to amplitude and phase scintillation
- Subjects
RADIO waves; AURORAS; SCINTILLATORS; RADIO wave propagation; GLOBAL Positioning System; ELECTRON density; RADIO measurements
- Publication
Journal of Geophysical Research. Space Physics, 2024, Vol 129, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
2169-9380
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1029/2023JA031998