Least-squares wavelet and cross-wavelet analyses of VLBI baseline length and temperature time series: Fortaleza-hartebeesthoek-westford-wettzell

Abstract

Extensive least-squares wavelet and cross-wavelet analyses are performed on the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) baseline length and temperature time series for a network of four VLBI antennas located in different continents. These analyses do not rely on any pre-processing of the measurements including interpolations or gap-filling, and they can provide accurate instantaneous frequency information along with phase differences in the time-frequency domain. Out of four antennas mounted in Fortaleza, Hartebeesthoek, Westford, and Wettzell, the most and the least possibly impacted VLBI time series by the annual temperature variation are Westford-Wettzell and Fortaleza-Hartebeesthoek, respectively. Furthermore, the annual components of the temperature time series in Westford and Wettzell lead the ones in the corresponding VLBI time series by nearly one month, where one of the baseline sides is either in Westford or Wettzell.