First Observations of Large Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Using Automated Amateur Radio Receiving Networks

Nathaniel A. Frissell, Stephen R. Kaeppler, Diego F. Sanchez, Gareth W. Perry, William D. Engelke, Philip J. Erickson, Anthea J. Coster, J. Michael Ruohoniemi, Joseph B.H. Baker, Mary Lou West

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

We demonstrate a novel method for observing Large Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances (LSTIDs) using high frequency (HF) amateur radio reporting networks, including the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN), Weak Signal Propagation Reporter Network (WSPRNet), and PSKReporter. LSTIDs are quasi-periodic variations in ionospheric densities with horizontal wavelengths >1,000 km and periods between 30 and 180 min. On Nov 3, 2017, LSTID signatures were observed simultaneously over the continental United States in amateur radio, SuperDARN HF radar, and GNSS Total Electron Content with a period of ∼2.5 hr, propagation azimuth of ∼163°, horizontal wavelength of ∼1680 km, and phase speed of ∼1,200 km hr−1. SuperMAG SME index enhancements and Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar measurements suggest the LSTIDs were driven by auroral electrojet intensifications and Joule heating. This novel measurement technique has applications in future scientific studies and for assessing the impact of LSTIDs on HF communications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere2022GL097879
JournalGeophysical Research Letters
Volume49
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 16 2022

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Geophysics
  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

Keywords

  • GNSS TEC
  • LSTID
  • SuperDARN
  • Traveling ionospheric Disturbance
  • amateur radio
  • midlatitude ionosphere

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'First Observations of Large Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Using Automated Amateur Radio Receiving Networks'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this