CAREER: Multi-Technique Study of Ionospheric Irregularities at Mid-Latitudes

University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL

Investigators

Abstract

The research component of this CAREER project focuses on developing and deploying two clusters of optical and radio equipment to study irregularities that occur in the nighttime mid-latitude F region of the upper atmosphere. The education component integrates the research conducted into the classroom through the development of modules and laboratory experiments pertaining to the instrumentation used in this study. Additionally, the PI will be developing a new course on the Global Positioning System (GPS) at the University of Illinois. Two clusters of instrumentation consisting of a wide-field ionospheric imaging system, a dual-frequency GPS receiver, and a single-frequency GPS scintillation monitor will be deployed to the Caribbean region south of the Arecibo Observatory. These instruments will augment those already in place at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico for studying ionospheric irregularities. The research project will focus on the following set of science questions: 1) What are the physical extent, seasonal properties, and lifetimes of nighttime F-region structures observed over the Caribbean? 2) What is the genesis region and mechanism for the different types of structures present in the nighttime F-region ionosphere? Do they grow locally, or are they coupled from low latitudes? What effect on trans-ionospheric radio wave propagation do these irregularities have? 3) Are the enhancements in electron density commonly seen in the American sector during severe geomagnetic storms effective in creating scintillations on critical trans-ionospheric radio links? Previous studies lacked the spatial coverage to address these questions, nor did they have instrumentation to measure the scintillation effects on critical satellite links. Both of these shortcomings are addressed in this research. Curriculum development is an integral part of this project and will enable students at both the undergraduate and graduate level to solidify fundamental knowledge gained in the classroom through hands-on experiences. New classroom modules and laboratories will be developed. Motivated undergraduate students will be encouraged to become involved in the research program, increasing the breadth of their education. Graduate students will also participate in all aspects of this project, contributing to their development into the next generation of scientists.