|
|
 |
|
|
Ann. Geophys., 26, 823-841, 2008
www.ann-geophys.net/26/823/2008/
© European Geosciences Union 2008
Mapping ionospheric backscatter measured by the SuperDARN HF radars – Part 1: A new empirical virtual height model
G. Chisham1, T. K. Yeoman2, and G. J. Sofko3
1British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
2Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
3University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5E2, Canada
Abstract. Accurately mapping the location of ionospheric backscatter targets (density
irregularities) identified by the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network
(SuperDARN) HF radars can be a major problem, particularly at far ranges for
which the radio propagation paths are longer and more uncertain. Assessing
and increasing the accuracy of the mapping of scattering locations is crucial
for the measurement of two-dimensional velocity structures on the small and
meso-scale, for which overlapping velocity measurements from two radars need
to be combined, and for studies in which SuperDARN data are used in
conjunction with measurements from other instruments. The co-ordinates of
scattering locations are presently estimated using a combination of the
measured range and a model virtual height, assuming a straight line virtual
propagation path. By studying elevation angle of arrival information of
backscatterred signals from 5 years of data (1997–2001) from the Saskatoon
SuperDARN radar we have determined the actual distribution of the backscatter
target locations in range-virtual height space. This has allowed the
derivation of a new empirical virtual height model that allows for a more
accurate mapping of the locations of backscatter targets.
Full Article in PDF (2047 KB) |
|
|
