GPS Device Based Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPB) Analysis on Radio Wave Propagation Over Low Latitude

Abstract

AbstractRadio wave propagation through space has been a topic of research for more than a century now. However, recent advancements in application of satellite navigation have generated renewed interest in this subject. Equatorial plasma bubble (EPB) is a unique phenomenon that occurs in equatorial and low latitude ionosphere during post sunset hours. Forecasting the hazardous effects of EPBs on trans-ionospheric electromagnetic signals is the current research problem. Global positioning system (GPS) signals, when pass through such irregularities, experience rapid fluctuations in phase and amplitude. The amplitude/phase fluctuations are called scintillations. Total delay of the signal due to ionospheric electron density can be represented as total electron content (TEC). The signal also exhibits steep changes in TEC during scintillations. Thus, the EPB manifest variations in scintillations and TEC in GPS signal. Using observation records from a dual frequency GPS Receiver ‘GSV4004B’ installed at Gadanki, both the parameters have been studied to find out the effect of EPBs on the signal.KeywordsPlasma materialsDevicesRadio waveNavigationMeasurements