Near real-time input to a propagation model for nowcasting of HF communications with aircraft on polar routes

Warrington, Michael and Stocker, A. J. and Siddle, D. and Hallam, Jonathan and Al-Behadili, H.A.H. and Zaalov, Nikolay and Honary, Farideh and Rogers, Neil Christopher and Boteler, D. H. and Danskin, D. W. (2016) Near real-time input to a propagation model for nowcasting of HF communications with aircraft on polar routes. Radio Science, 51 (7). pp. 1048-1059. ISSN 0048-6604

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Abstract

There is a need for improved techniques for nowcasting and forecasting (over several hours) HF propagation at northerly latitudes to support airlines operating over the increasingly popular trans-polar routes. In this paper the assimilation of real-time measurements into a propagation model developed by the authors is described, including ionosonde measurements and Total Electron Content (TEC) measurements to define the main parameters of the ionosphere. The effects of D-region absorption in the polar cap and auroral regions are integrated with the model through satellite measurements of the flux of energetic solar protons (>1 MeV) and the X-ray flux in the 0.1-0.8 nm band, and ground-based magnetometer measurements which form the Kp and Dst indices of geomagnetic activity. The model incorporates various features (e.g. convecting patches of enhanced plasma density) of the polar ionosphere that are, in particular, responsible for off-great circle propagation and lead to propagation at times and frequencies not expected from on-great circle propagation alone. The model development is supported by the collection of HF propagation measurements over several paths within the polar cap, crossing the auroral oval, and along the mid-latitude trough.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Radio Science
Additional Information:
Accepted for publication in Radio Science. Copyright 2016. American Geophysical Union. Further reproduction or electronic distribution is not permitted
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3100/3105
Subjects:
?? hf propagation polar ionosphereinstrumentationcomputers in earth sciencesgeochemistry and petrologycomputer networks and communicationsgeophysicsatmospheric science ??
ID Code:
80359
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
13 Jul 2016 09:00
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
31 Dec 2023 00:42