Navigation satellite signal variation in HF heated high latitude ionosphere

Abstract:

We present observations of GNSS signals during HF heating experiments in the high latitude ionosphere. Several experiments were carried out in December 2010 by the EISCAT heating facility in Ramfjordmoen, Norway. HF ordinary mode electromagnetic pumping waves were directed with elevation angle of 78 degrees in north-south plane transmitting at a frequency around 4 MHz. The center of the perturbed area in the F region ionosphere is estimated to be 41 km south of the facility. The heating and relaxation intervals were varied between 10 and 180 seconds. The variations in total electron content (TEC) from GNSS carrier phase signals are identified from the data taken from two dual frequency high rate GNSS receivers placed in Ramfjordmoen and in Tromsø with a separation of approximately 14 km. We analyze the links between the two receivers and GLONASS satellites with regard to the relative distance between each piercing point and the estimated heating center over a series of heating intervals. Results shows general trend of increase and signatures of oscillations in slant TEC measurements in both links.