Resolving F-region irregularity spectra using novel incoherent scatter radar methods

Abstract

Plasma structuring in the high-latitude ionosphere impacts over-the-horizon radio communication and global navigation systems, and are an important space weather effect. Therefore, characterizing the formation and morphology of these structures is critically important. Irregularity spectra are useful for quantifying which plasma structures are abundant in the high-latitude ionosphere, as well as their drivers. From this information it is then possible to forecast the occurrence of irregularities and predict their impact on radio wave propagation. By leveraging phased array incoherent scatter radar (ISR) technology, and using the facts that, cross-field diffusion is slow at scale lengths greater than 10 km, and the magnetic field lines are nearly vertical at high-latitudes, we develop and apply a novel technique for ISR measurements to resolve high-latitude ionospheric irregularity spectra at a higher spatial-temporal resolution than has been previously possible with ground-based instruments. We will motivate the newly developed ISR technique, describe its methodology, and provide results demonstrating its effectiveness. This technique will enable future studies that will directly link high-latitude ionospheric plasma structure drivers to their impact on radio wave propagation.