MPS simulations of ionospheric irregularities in E and F-region on GNSS-RO signals
Presenter:
VinÃcius Ludwig Barbosa
Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH)
Molflow, RUAG Space and BTH
Poster
Regions of plasma irregularities in F-region and sporadic clouds in E-region create abrupt gradients in the electron density. Radio signal propagated through such regions suffers constructive and destructive contribution in phase and amplitude, known as scintillations. GNSS Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO) measurements record this phenomenon and has a potential capability on supporting the detection and to monitor the occurrence of these regions.
Different approaches have been proposed in order to model the wave propagation under such conditions in radio occultation scenarios. We present an implementation of models of ionospheric irregularities in E and F-region integrated to Multiple Phase Screen (MPS) method. Simulations have been performed to evaluate the influence of irregularities in F-region in the residual ionospheric error (RIE). Additionally, we assessed the capability of these models to replicate scintillation observed in MetOp measurements. Calculation of scintillation index (S4) and STDV parameter, using CIRA-86 climatology model as reference, have supported our assessment.
The results validate the capability of the simulator to replicate moderate to strong scintillations and comparable signatures of scintillation in the signal amplitude. Further, our results show evidences that the RIE can reach levels greater than one micro-radian even under weak scintillation.
Poster in PDF:
