Strong Ionospheric Spatial Gradient Events Induced by Signal Propagation Paths Aligned With Equatorial Plasma Bubbles

Author(s)

Affonso, Bruno Jacobini ; Moraes, Alison ; Sousasantos, Jonas ; Marini-Pereira, Leonardo ; Pullen, Sam

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON AEROSPACE AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS; v. 58, n. 4, p. 12-pg., 2022-08-01.

Abstract

Low-latitude ionospheric behavior directly interferes with a wide range of applications dependent on signals and information from satellites. The most severe and variable events are plasma bubbles and ionospheric scintillation. During plasma bubble events, large and steep plasma density gradients may intersect transionospheric signal from satellites, especially around the equatorial anomaly region. Large ionospheric spatial gradients (or decorrelations) are a critical component of ionospheric threat models for global navigation satellite systems augmentation systems; however, the models cannot assimilate abrupt changes in ionospheric behavior. In this article, an investigation of the relationship between plasma depletions, the occurrence of scintillation, and strong ionospheric spatial decorrelation events was conducted. The results indicate that strong scintillations occur when large gradients are verified. Additionally, the most critical ionospheric spatial gradients were verified mostly under certain conditions: when satellite signals are aligned with the plasma bubble propagation along geomagnetic field lines. Therefore, even though amplitude scintillation may degrade communications, the critical gradient events seem to be related to a particular configuration of satellite signal across the ionosphere. Thus, it is recommended that ionospheric threat models for augmentation systems in low-latitude regions consider this alignment aspect. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/06158-9 - Statistical Studies of the Variation of Ionospheric Parameters and Their Relationship with Space Weather Events
• Grantee: Jonas de Sousa dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 06/04008-2 - GNSS: investigations and applications in geodetic positioning, in studies related to the atmosphere and precision agriculture
• Grantee: Joao Francisco Galera Monico
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/50115-0 - GNSS technology for supporting air navigation
• Grantee: Joao Francisco Galera Monico
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research in Public Policies