DASI Track 2: Low-latitude Ionospheric Sensor Network (LISN) Investigations of Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances and Plasma Irregularities

University Of Texas At Dallas, Richardson TX

Investigators

Abstract

This project supported by the Geospace Facility's Distributed Arrays of Small Instruments (DASI) is to provide the operations and maintenance of the Low-Latitude Ionospheric Sensor Network (LISN). This distributed array is spread across South American and measures dynamics of the ionosphere. This is synergistic with other Geospace Facility's investments in South America such as Jicamarca Radio Observatory. It provides important geographic coverage. Examination of the ionosphere is called out in several of the benchmark recommendations in the 2015 National Space Weather Action Plan. Monitoring of the ionosphere as daily weather is monitored on the surface of Earth is important because radio communications can be significantly impacted by ionospheric activity. This project to operate LISN distributed observatory for the three years will allow detailed observations and investigations of the origin, dynamics, coupling, and mapping of traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) and the formation and evolution of plasma irregularities in the low- and mid-latitude ionospheres to be carried out. LISN contains Global Positioning System and Global Navigation Satellite System receivers for determining total electron content and ionosondes for measuring TIDs. These simultaneous measurements may provide insight into how multi-scale TIDs at low latitudes seed plasma phenomena, such as equatorial plasma bubbles, at mid latitudes. The complexity of the plasma dynamics requires multiple perspectives on the natural system. This award also supports an upgrade to the servers and data products for public dissemination. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.