First results of Coherent Ionospheric Doppler Receiver measurements over Egypt

Abstract

This paper presents the first results of total electron content (TEC) measurements over Egypt taken by UHF/VHF receivers. Such ionospheric measurements over the Middle East and north Africa have been previously unable to the scientific community but are now available for ionospheric studies. In particular, these receivers are well situated to study the northern peak of the equatorial anomaly. This initial study examines the behavior of the equatorial anomaly during a weak magnetic storm of 12 July 2008. The response of the northern equatorial anomaly crest is examined during the storm time, using the TEC measurements from the Coherent Ionospheric Doppler Receivers (CIDR) at Helwan, Egypt (29.8641°N, 31.3172°E). Particular attention is shown to diurnal changes in the crest structure and its response to the minor magnetic storm.