Publication Date:
2021-07-01
Description:
The storm onset on 7 September 2017, triggered several variations in the ionospheric
electron density, causing severe phase fluctuations at polar latitudes in both hemispheres. In addition,
although quite rare at high latitudes, clear amplitude scintillations were recorded by two Global
Navigation Satellite System receivers during the main phase of the storm. This work attempted to
investigate the physical mechanisms triggering the observed amplitude scintillations, with the aim
of identifying the conditions favoring such events. We investigated the ionospheric background
and other conditions that prevailed when the irregularities formed and moved, following a multiobservations
approach. Specifically, we combined information from scintillation parameters and
recorded by multi-constellation (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) receivers located at Concordia station
(75.10 S, 123.35 E) and SANAE IV base (71.67 S, 2.84 W), with measurements acquired by the
Special Sensor Ultraviolet Spectrographic Imager on board the Defense Meteorological Satellite
Program satellites, the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network, the Swarm constellation and groundbased
magnetometers. Besides confirming the high degree of complexity of the ionospheric dynamics,
our multi-instrument observation identified the physical conditions that likely favor the occurrence
of amplitude scintillations at high latitudes. Results suggest that the necessary conditions for the
observation of this type of scintillation in high-latitude regions are high levels of ionization and a
strong variability of plasma dynamics. Both of these conditions are typically featured during high
solar activity.
Description:
Published
Description:
2493
Description:
2A. Fisica dell'alta atmosfera
Description:
JCR Journal
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
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