Modeling of long‐path propagation characteristics of VLF radio waves as observed from Indian Antarctic station Maitri

Abstract

AbstractPropagation of very low frequency (VLF) radio signal through the Earth‐ionosphere waveguide depends strongly on the plasma properties of the ionospheric D layer. Solar extreme ultraviolet radiation plays the central role in controlling physical and chemical properties of the lower ionospheric layers and hence determining the propagation characteristics of a VLF signal. The nature of interference among different propagating modes varies widely with the length of the propagation path. For a very long path, exposure of solar radiation and thus the degree of ionization vary by a large amount along the path. This influences the VLF signal profile by modulating the sky wave propagation. To understand the propagation characteristics over such a long path, we need a thorough investigation of the chemical reactions of the lower ionosphere which is lacking in the literature. Study of radio signal characteristics in the Antarctic region during summer period in the Southern Hemisphere gives us a unique opportunity to explore such a possibility. In addition, there is an extra feature in this path—the presence of solar radiation and hence the D region for the whole day during summer in at least some sections of the path. In this paper, we present long‐distance propagation characteristics of VLF signals transmitted from VTX (18.2 kHz) and NWC (19.8 kHz) transmitters recorded at the Indian permanent station Maitri (latitude 70° S, longitude 114° E) in 2007–2008. A very stable diurnal variation of the signal has been obtained with no signature of nighttime fluctuation due the presence of 24 h of sunlight. Using ion production and recombination profiles by solar irradiance and incorporating D region ion chemistry processes, we calculate the electron density profile at different heights. Using this profile in the Long Wavelength Propagation Capability code, we are able to reproduce the amplitude of VLF signal.