IDENSO: Ionospheric Dynamics over Eritrea from Nightglow and Scintillation Observations

Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

Twin-station GPS receiver data provide, on small scales (400 m resolution), a measure of Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) radio scintillations and plasma depletion drifts above Eritrea in Africa. Large-scale context of F-region depletions is provided simultaneously by 630 nm all sky imaging. These data, acquired during a four-year period from 1999 - 2003, are used to investigate the formation, morphology, and day-to-day variability of the equatorial spread-F irregularity. Assimilation of these African data into global models uniquely constrains the poorly understood climatology of these irregularities that are known to disrupt communication and navigation.