Characterizing Ionospheric Variations in the Vicinity of Hurricanes and Typhoons Using GPS Occultation Measurements

Interest in coupling between atmospheric regions continues to increase. Gravity waves generated in the troposphere are often cited as a coupling mechanism between the low and upper altitude regions. However, few studies demonstrating coupling between the troposphere and thermosphere/ionosphere exist. Intense, localized storms, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, should provide an ideal opportunity to examine tropospheric/ionospheric coupling. This study utilizes GPS occultation (GPSRO) to investigate TEC levels and ionospheric disturbances near hurricanes and typhoons. GPSRO measurements from receivers on LEO satellites supply accurate global ionospheric and upper atmospheric monitoring. The study utilizes data from the CHAMP and PicoSat satellites. Observations from more than ten storms over the past three years are used to characterize TEC within 2000 km horizontal distance of the storm's center. Preliminary results show significant scintillation is observed within 1200 km of a storm center.