On the effects of scintillation of low-latitude bubbles on transionospheric paths of propagation

Abstract

A previously developed scintillation propagation model for L band signals on transionospheric paths has been further extended to describe the effects caused by the localized structure of plasma bubbles in the low-latitude ionosphere. This takes into account quasi-deterministic and random structures typical of bubbles. The model can produce signal statistical moments (power spectra, correlation functions, scintillation index, etc.) and generate random time series including the case of through bubble propagation. The simulated random time series of the field demonstrate the characteristic nonstationary behavior caused by the presence and motion of the bubble structures through the path of propagation, showing that strong enhancements of the scintillation index (S4) can occur depending on the parameters of the bubble and the path. Modeling results are compared with scintillation records due to bubbles passing through GPS signal paths to a receiver at Douala, Cameroon. This shows good agreement providing validation for the bubble and propagation model. Copyright 2009 by the American Geophysical Union.