Full text loading...
-
Measurements Of Gps L1 Scintillations At The Equatorial Anomaly
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, 7th International Congress of the Brazilian Geophysical Society, Oct 2001, cp-217-00434
Abstract
Nighttime equatorial ionospheric irregularities, sometimes<br>called spread-F, are known to produce amplitude<br>and phase scintillations at L-band frequencies<br>including GPS signals. The GPS signal scintillations,<br>on one hand, are useful for remote sensing of the<br>ionosphere and, on the other hand, are a cause for<br>concern when GPS is used in situations requiring<br>high reliability. We have developed a GPS scintillation<br>monitor (Scintmon) that permits us to explore<br>both viewpoints of GPS and ionospheric scintillations.<br>Using Scintmon data acquired in Brazil we will<br>first demonstrate the relation of GPS scintillations to<br>TEC holes in the ionosphere. Next we will show how<br>GPS scintillations can be used to determine ionospheric<br>drift velocities and that, when ionospheric drift<br>velocities match the GPS ionospheric signal puncture<br>point velocity, and fading time scale increases. Finally<br>we shall show how scintillations can cause loss<br>of GPS receiver tracking and comment on the situations<br>that are most susceptible to this disturbance.