Satellite beacon studies of global F-region disturbance effects
Abstract
A high time resolution, relative accuracy, and potential for data continuity make the satellite beacon measurements a valuable technique for the specification of ionospheric disturbances. The present review concentrates on the use of the satellite beacon derived parameter total electron content (TEC) as a means of studying F-region plasma disturbance effects. A semi-global network of TEC monitoring stations has presented the most detailed morphology of an F-region solar flare effect recorded to date (7 August 1972), and a summary of these observations is presented. The satellite beacon community has also made significant contributions to the study of magnetic storm effects upon the F-region. Two approaches have been used: construction of 'average storm patterns' at a single site, and 'case study' approach of describing a few particularly large events as observed by a network of stations. Both of these schemes are reviewed, as applied to large geomagnetic storm-induced perturbations. Attention is given to the great potential of using the ATS-6 satellite to study storm effects in the plasmaspheric content.
- Publication:
-
The Geophysical Use of Satellite Beacon Observations
- Pub Date:
- 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976gusb.symp..307M
- Keywords:
-
- F Region;
- Ionospheric Disturbances;
- Radio Beacons;
- Satellite Observation;
- Solar Activity Effects;
- Synoptic Measurement;
- Geomagnetism;
- Ionospheric Electron Density;
- Ionospheric Propagation;
- Magnetic Storms;
- Plasma-Particle Interactions;
- Satellite Transmission;
- Solar Flares;
- Geophysics